Home safety is essential for anyone who lives in a home. However, it’s especially important to consider home safety hazards for senior citizens. Many home safety hazards are the same for young families and senior citizens. However, there are some unique dangers that come with living in a home for decades. Here are some common home safety hazards for seniors that everyone should be aware of. The hazards listed below are not necessarily in order of severity. Instead, they are examples of common home safety hazards for older adults. Each of these hazards should be considered when designing a safe home for an older adult or anyone who lives there. They can easily be avoided with some simple precautions that will help keep you and your loved ones safe from harm.
Lack of lighting - Lighting is important for both safety and security reasons. It can help you see in the dark and make it easier to find your way around your home. However, if there isn’t enough light, it can make it harder to see and navigate your home. This can be especially true if you are trying to navigate stairs or other areas of your home that don’t have a lot of light. This can also make it harder for people to see you when you’re outside. This can make it easier for intruders to get into your home. This is especially true if you are going through a divorce. Your spouse may not want to give you your divorce papers in person, but that person may be able to drop them off at your home.
Water damage - Water can cause a lot of damage to a home. It can cause mold and mildew and make it hard for you to sell your home. However, water damage can be prevented. You should have a home warranty that covers water damage and make sure you have a water shut-off valve in your home. You should also have gutters and a sump pump installed.
Falling - Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among older adults. Falls can happen anywhere, but they are especially common in the home. There are many ways to prevent falls. You should make sure you have non-skid flooring in high-risk areas such as near the kitchen and bathroom. You should also make sure there are non-skid mats in areas where you have a lot of foot traffic.
Cooking hazards - Cooking is a common pastime for many older adults. However, it can also be a dangerous activity. You should keep all of your kitchen tools clean and in good working order. You should also make sure to use childproofing measures when cooking. This will help keep young children out of harm’s way.
Slippery floors - Many older adults live on floors that are made of wood, linoleum, or other materials that are not designed to be wet. If you have a spill, you may need to clean up the mess right away. If you don’t, the floor may become more dangerous. You should make sure to clean up spills as quickly as possible to avoid slipping and falling. You should also make sure to use non-skid mats in areas where you have a lot of foot traffic.
Strangers in the home - You may want to hire a home health aide to help you stay safe. However, it’s important to make sure that person is a trustworthy person. You should always lock your doors and windows. You should also keep a record of the people who come to your home.
There are many common home safety hazards for senior citizens. However, you can avoid many of them by taking simple precautions. If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to a safe and healthy home.