As you age your home may not be as safe as when you were younger. Take a good look around your living space. There are potential safety concerns in nearly every room of your home. Review the following home safety tips to find out how to make your space safer today.
Trip and Fall Hazards
More than one-quarter of all seniors fall each year, and one-fifth of those falls result in serious injury. What’s scary is that hazards in a senior’s home are a huge contributor to falls. Make your home safer today by eliminating or reducing the following common fall hazards:
- Eliminate or secure throw rugs, which are easy to trip over.
- Clear out the clutter that is blocking paths and walkways.
- Check for loose cords or wire and tuck them neatly out of the way.
- Beware of uneven surfaces, like stairs, small steps, sidewalks, or gravel.
- Have your furniture rearranged to create wider paths.
Fire Safety Tips
According to FEMA, you are at an increased risk of perishing in a home fire as you age. Beware of the following common fire hazards in your home:
- Use space heaters sparingly. Keep them on a flat, level surface a minimum of 3 feet away from anything flammable. Make sure your space heater has an auto shut off function.
- Never leave candles burning unattended. Place them where they can’t get knocked off.
- Check electrical cords for signs of fraying.
- Never smoke inside. Smoking causes a ton of home fires each year. Kick this unhealthy habit or smoke outside.
- Make sure to routinely replace the batteries in your smoke detector.
- Have an escape route planned in case your home does catch on fire.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house, but it also poses a lot of safety hazards. Follow these handy tips to stay safe in the kitchen:
When Cooking:
- Don’t wear loose clothing that may brush against hot surfaces and catch on fire.
- Keep a large lid nearby when cooking to quickly shut out stove fires.
- Keep a close eye on anything you cook.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so you can’t knock the pot off.
- Learn to use a fire extinguisher and keep it handy.
Reaching for Items:
- Put your most used items within easy reach.
- Have a step stool handy (if it’s still safe for you to use).
- Get rid of any unnecessary clutter.
Bathroom
Your bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, but many accidents still happen in the smallest of spaces. Keep your bathroom safe with these tips:
Shower and Tub:
- Add slip-proof rubber tub strips.
- Install grab bars to ensure safe footing.
- Consider getting a shower chair, so you can sit if you become tired.
- If mobility is an issue, consider a walk-in shower.
More Bathroom Safety:
- Remove any rugs that could cause trips and falls.
- Get an automatic night light for the bathroom.
- Think about getting a raised toilet seat.
Home Lighting
Diminishing eyesight is a normal part of the aging process. When combined with poor lighting, it’s hard to see clearly, making it easier to trip or fall. Think about the following lighting upgrades for your home to improve your safety:
- Install sensor lights in certain areas.
- Consider voice-activated lights so you don’t have to fumble or reach for a switch.
- Purchase touch lights or remote-control lights.
- Use night lights in the kitchen, bathroom, and hallway.
- Keep flashlights in easy-to-remember, easy-to-access locations.
Security
The sad truth is that seniors are particularly vulnerable to frauds and schemes. Seniors lose nearly $3 billion a year to scammers. Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true or someone claiming they know you when you don’t remember them. Protect your financial interests by taking these security measures:
- Use peep holes in your entry doors so you can see who’s there.
- Install cameras at entry points to deter criminals.
- Get an alarm system for your home.
- Make sure you have quality, durable locks and deadbolts.
- Never allow a stranger into your home. If someone says they are there to perform a service, call the company to verify.
- Never accept any offers by phone.
Other Potential Hazards
- Mind your pets, particularly the small ones who are easy to trip over.
- Keep a first aid kit handy for any minor accidents.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector regularly.
- Create a list of emergency contacts and keep it somewhere convenient, like the fridge.
- Clearly label cleaning supplies so you never get them mixed up.
Securing Your Financial Future with Americo Senior Life
Once you’ve taken all these safety precautions, a final aspect of both safety and security is an adequate life insurance policy. If you don’t have a whole life insurance policy yet, you can turn to the professionals at Americo Senior Life to answer all your questions.
Americo makes the application process fast and easy. Help secure you and your family’s future today with a whole life insurance policy from Americo Senior Life.