Helping Seniors Stay in Their Homes
- Nearly 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age, often referred to as “aging in place.”
- Even if they begin to need day-to-day assistance or ongoing health care during retirement, most (82 percent) would prefer to stay in their homes.
- Living under one’s own rules is a key reason for staying in one’s own home, the other being the comfort and comfort of known environment and community.
According to MetLife:
- Ninety-one percent of pre-retirees age 50 to 65 responded that they want to live in their own homes in retirement.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related visits to the emergency room in the U.S. and the primary cause of accidental deaths (75 percent) in people over 65.
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists
Seniors Home Safety Tips
According to a 2010 AARP Study, over 90% of the respondents were over the age of 65 and stated that they wanted to remain living in their homes and communities. As you would imagine, it is hard for people to want to give up their
independence and “control” by moving to an assisted/independent living facility. Unfortunately, as we all age, our senses, reflexes, and memory tends to decline which can make living at home or by yourself unsafe and dangerous. In home accidents, primarily falls, are the leading causes of injuries and emergency room visits for seniors. If you or your loved one have decided to age in place in the comfort of your own home, please view the senior home safety tips below to make sure that the house is safe and accessible for seniors to be living in.
General Home Safety Tips for Seniors
- Consider a medical alert system or a buddy system. Patient alarms are a great alternative. stair lift for senior home safety
- Use a correctly measured and appropriate mobility aid. Such as: walker, rollator, power chair, power scooter, cane.
- All stair cases both inside and out should have sturdy hand rails on at least one side. The safest option would be stair lifts. Read more on stair lifts HERE.
- All stair cases, main entrances, and hallways should have good bright lighting with light switches on both ends of the hallway or stairs.
- Remove or tightly secure throw rugs to the floor to prevent trips and falls
- Remove electrical wires or cords from high traffic areas, or main living spaces.
- Wear shoes or socks that are properly fitted and have a firm, non-slip grip
- Avoid standing on ladders and chairs
- Never smoke alone, in bed, or lying down