9 Common Home Safety Hazards and Their Practical Solutions

From baby-proofing the house to making your home fall-proof for aging parents, ensuring safety at every stage of life requires careful attention. It is important for family members and live-in caregivers to regularly check to identify any risks and take steps to mitigate them. Families can hire professionals to conduct home safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and suggest ways to senior-proof the home. In this article, we’ll explore common home safety hazards for seniors and provide practical solutions to fix them, so your loved ones can age in place with confidence and peace of mind.

9 Major Safety Concerns for Seniors:

Here are a few common home safety hazards for seniors and how to fix them:

1. Bathroom Safety Hazards and Fixes:

Bathroom safety hazards, like slipping on soap or water, are among the most common risks for seniors at home. More attention is needed to avoid bathroom hazards, as seniors can be alone in this space. Here are a few fixes that can be done in bathrooms to avoid any accidents:

1. Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the shower and bathroom floor. Ensure the floor is dry after use, and clean up spills immediately.
2. Install grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet to support and prevent falls.
3. Using non-slip mats that absorb unwanted moisture can be another quick safety fix for the bathing area.
4. Low toilet seats can strain the knees, especially for elders with arthritis. Install a raised toilet seat or add a safety frame to make it easier and safer to use.
5. Using handheld showerheads can help seniors or their caregivers clean properly without having to move around too much.
6. To reduce the risk of falls at night, install bright, motion-activated lights along the path to the bathroom.
7. Scalding water can cause burns; consider installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads. Usually, safe water ranges from 38 °C to 43 °C (100 °F to 109 °F).

Read More: Bath Safety Tips for Seniors

In addition, seniors with high fall risk should not be left alone in the washroom. Professional caregivers can assist the elderly with bathing, toileting, and other bathroom-related activities.

2. Poor Lighting and its Solution:

Poor lighting hazards occur when seniors, with poor vision due to age or disease, cannot see properly due to shadows or dim light. Lighting hazards can cause trips and falls, which can be deadly. Proper lighting in common rooms such as bedrooms, hallways, outside porches, and kitchens can reduce risks for elders living alone.

Here are a few tips:

• Use high-lumen bulbs with cooler degrees (5000–500 kelvin degrees) for proper lighting. They give maximum light coverage and light up dark corners around the house.
• Keep the house well-lit with small nightlights in the hallways leading to the kitchen or bathroom.
• Keep a flashlight within arm’s reach so that the loved one isn’t moving around blindly and injuring themselves during power outages.
• Have switches on both ends of the stairs, so you can turn them on or off as you step on the stairs. 
• In the bedroom, install a side lamp or a nightlight to help if the senior wakes up at night for a trip to the bathroom.

Read More: How to Care for Seniors with Vision Problems

3. Kitchen Hazards and Fixes:

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in any household. It can also be a source of many hazards. Here are a few tips to minimize risks and accidents for seniors in the kitchen.

• Make regular-use items easier to reach. An older person may have limited mobility, which makes it difficult to access items placed at a height.
• Keep flammable items like dish towels and paper towels away from the stove. Install a fire extinguisher within easy reach and ensure it’s regularly checked.
• Use an electric stove instead of a gas burner to reduce the risk of fire incidents.
• Cover and put away any sharp objects, such as knives. Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s can easily hurt themselves with these objects.
• Store heavy pots, pans, and other items in lower cabinets to prevent them from falling. Use a sturdy step stool with a safety rail to reach higher shelves.
• Ensure that all kitchen appliances are in good working order. Replace any frayed or damaged cords and avoid overloading electrical outlets using power strips with surge protectors. Unplug small appliances when they are not in use. ​
• Improperly installed or faulty gas stoves, ovens, heaters, dryers, and vent hoods can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which can be fatal. Replacing gas appliances with electric ones and guaranteeing the kitchen is properly ventilated can reduce this risk. It is also critical to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in the kitchen and across the house.

Read More: Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

If a household employs a professional caregiver, they can help by taking over kitchen duties, reducing risks for the seniors.

4. Fire Hazards and Fixes:

Every year, there are 24,000 fire-related accidents in Canada. Older Canadian adults are two and a half times more likely to die or be injured in a house fire than other populations. Household fires can start while cooking, from overheated appliances to short-circuited light fixtures.

Here are a few tips for identifying and mitigating fire risks in a home:

• Install fire alarms and smoke detectors all over the house, especially in the kitchen. Replace their batteries every 6 months. Ensure they are in working order by checking them regularly.
• Place small-sized fire extinguishers in the kitchen, hallways, and other areas around the house, especially near fire hazards. They should be easy to use for seniors.
• Don’t overload the electrical sockets with heavy appliances. Use separate sockets for each appliance.
• Unplug the appliances when not in use, and put them away properly to avoid tripping on their cords. Seniors are prone to tripping, especially if they have weak vision.
• Regularly check appliances and extension cords for exposed wires. Replace them immediately, as they can catch fire or cause electrocution.
• Avoid using candles, or place them away from curtains and decorative items.
• If a house has chimneys and dryer exhausts, they need to be cleaned professionally. They can accumulate substances over time that can catch fire.
• In winter, keep heaters away from clothes, blankets, or any material that can catch fire.

Read More: How to Fall-proof Your Home for Seniors

5. Bed and Living Room Safety Concerns:

Bed and living rooms are high-use areas for seniors and can be another place for serious injuries. Here are a few helpful tips to identify and mitigate living room falls.

• Arrange furniture to create wide, clear pathways through the room. Keep the floor free of clutter by organizing magazines, remote controls, and other items in storage bins or on shelves. Secure electrical cords along walls or under rugs to prevent tripping.
• Ensure that heavy furniture, such as bookshelves, is anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Regularly check that all furniture is stable, and replace any items that wobble or feel unsteady. ​
• Large-screen televisions are heavy and can tip over. Bolt them securely to the wall or put them on a proper table.
• The height of the furniture should be adjusted to meet the needs of seniors. A standard bed height for seniors is typically between 20 and 23 inches. This height ensures the bed is comfortably elevated above the ground, making it easy for seniors to get in and out of bed while still being low enough to prevent difficult climbs each night.

6. External Hazards and Fixes:

The exterior of your home can present various hazards, especially for seniors. Addressing these risks is crucial to ensuring safety outdoors. Here are common external hazards and practical solutions to overcome them.

• During the snow season, have a professional check and clear up the walkway of snow to avoid slipping.
• On the outside of the house, paint edges and narrow stairs with contrasting colors to help seniors see them clearly in dim lighting.
• Put away sharp gardening tools such as shears and rakes to avoid seniors stepping on or tripping over them.
• Regularly inspect outdoor electrical outlets, wires, and lighting fixtures. Replace any damaged components and ensure that all outdoor electrical installations are weatherproof and meet safety standards.
• Regularly trim trees, bushes, and shrubs to keep pathways clear and ensure a clear line of sight around your property. Keep vegetation away from windows and doors to reduce the risk of hiding places for intruders. 

7. Unstable Support Around Stairs:

Stairs without proper support can be unsafe, especially for seniors with mobility issues. Unstable or missing handrails can lead to a loss of balance and falls. To prevent accidents like these, install sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase. Ensure handrails are securely fastened and regularly checked for any signs of wear or damage. If your stairs lack handrails, it’s essential to add them as soon as possible. For added safety, consider using handrails that extend beyond the first and last step to provide continuous support.

8. Home Security Measures:

A lack of proper home security can expose seniors to risks like burglary, unauthorized entry, or other security threats. To enhance your home’s security, consider installing robust locks on all doors and windows, and accentuate a security system with motion detectors, cameras, and alarms. Use smart locks that can be monitored remotely. Adequate outdoor lighting, particularly around entry points, is also essential to deter potential intruders.

9. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy:

In an emergency, time is critical, and fumbling for contact information can delay getting help. To avoid this keep a list of emergency numbers, including contacts for local emergency services, family members, neighbors, and healthcare providers, in multiple easily accessible locations around the home. Ensure these numbers are programmed into mobile phones and landlines for quick access.

To Learn More:

Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com and we will be happy to discuss the care needs of your loved ones, help you decide upon the best options, and guide you on how to have a discussion with them around getting professional care.

Conclusion:

Common household hazards can be avoided through regular safety inspections and getting professionals to repair, maintain, and replace faulty appliances and fixtures.

Live-in caregivers can significantly reduce the safety risks for vulnerable seniors by identifying safety risks, taking over high-risk activities, and helping seniors with mobility around the house.

FAQ’s

1. What is the most common safety precaution while you are at home?

Keeping walkways clear of clutter to prevent falls is the most common and crucial safety precaution at home.

2. What are the common risks at home?

Common risks at home include falls, fire hazards, poor lighting, and unsecured rugs or furniture.

3. How can I improve safety at home?

Improve safety by installing grab bars, ensuring proper lighting, securing rugs, and regularly checking smoke detectors.

Fakiha

Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.