Safety is of utmost importance for senior citizens, as they are more likely to fall and get injured. Broken bones and fractures are very common in the elderly because of issues such as osteoporosis, bone fragility, and bone loss.

Painful injuries will usually take a longer time to heal for senior citizens. They may even require long term hospitalization that may not be affordable for many, unless they have Medicare or other health insurance plans. If your loved ones are not yet insured, you can get in touch with health insurance providers through health insurance live transfer.

Most senior living communities, assisted living centers, and nursing facilities are designed in a senior-friendly manner with handrails, ramps, and safe floors. The elderly people living here might face lesser risks of falls and injuries. However, for those who are at home, here are a few simple and affordable tips that can reduce the risks of falls and injuries:

For Bathroom Safety

The slippery surfaces of bathrooms can be very dangerous for seniors who have issues with balance. Moreover, if the space is too small to move around, it can cause them to fall down and experience painful injuries. Here is what you can do to make your bathroom safe and comfortable:

·       Get a ‘Comfort Height’ toilet installed, to make it easier to sit and stand

·       Remove bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower (a hand-held one that is light-weight). Make sure you also provide a bathing seat.

·       Make sure the floor of your shower is covered with non-skid strips

·       Use temperature-controlled faucets to avoid scalding burns

·       Get grab bars installed throughout the bathroom. Not only will they prevent falls, they will also make convenient towel racks.

·       Make sure the bathroom is well-lit. You may want to use a night light or even a motion-sensor light for night-time safety

For Kitchen Safety

Retired people find a lot of solace while cooking in the kitchen. Being accident-prone spaces, Kitchens can be hazardous for the safety of elders. Here are some safety tips to follow:

·       Get a high-quality smoke detector installed. Look for one with a ‘hush’ feature that can silence false alarms temporarily. Make sure you maintain it regularly.

·       If there are any worn-out appliances, get them replaced with new models. This will reduce risks of electrical fires and shocks.

·       Clean out the grease traps and the vents regularly

·       Make sure a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket are always kept handy

·       Use appliances such as electric kettles and induction stovetops that shut off automatically

·       Place heavy pots and dishes in the lower cabinets for easier accessibility

For General Home Safety

A safe home is a happy home, not just for you but also for your loved ones. Here are a few tips that you can follow, to increase the safety of your home:

·       Reduce clutter and keep your rooms clean at all times

·       Make sure there are no tripping hazards such as uneven floorboards, loose area rugs, or extension cords

·       Install battery-backup lighting that will come of use during a power outage

·       Make sure the floors are not slippery. Also, there should be no difference in the floor levels while entering or exiting a room.

·       Make sure the walkways and stairways are adequately lit and free of any wires or cords

·       Get motion-activated lights installed throughout your home. This will improve visibility and reduce the risks of falls and injuries.

·       Lock your windows and doors to avoid break-ins during daylight hours

·       Keep a portable phone handy while moving from one room to another. This way you can get immediate help, in case of a fall.

For Outdoor Safety

Traveling outdoors might seem exciting for aging adults. However, not all may consider taking all the safety precautions that can help them reduce the risks of falls and injuries. Here is what you need to do:

·       Always use a cane or walker for additional stability. This can come handy when traveling long distances, especially in bad weather.

·       Be aware of the condition of the outdoor surfaces. You may want to choose an alternate route if it doesn’t look safe.

·       Take a backpack or a shoulder bag to keep your hands free

·       Be aware of curb height while stepping down

For Driving Safety

You don’t have to take back the car keys from your aging companions, just to keep them safe. They may not want to give up driving as it might make them feel independent and in control. Nevertheless, here is what you can do, to make sure they are safe while driving:

Observe them while they are driving by slipping into the passenger seat. Look how they change lanes. See how alert they are while driving. Make sure they follow the speed limits and don’t drive too fast. You may want to have a talk with your parents if you feel it is not safe for them to drive. However, adopt a tactful and respectful approach to convince them.

If your loved one is not ready to give up driving, you can anonymously request for a retest of driver’s license, through a physician. Your parent may not be able to pass the test if there are any safety issues. Nevertheless, make sure you provide an alternate transportation option like hiring a driver or using a local community service that offers transportation assistance.

In case your aging parent can drive well, you need to make sure the vehicle is in top condition. Check the windshield wipers, the lights, and the defroster. Make sure the tires have plenty of tread. Find out if the car battery is in a good condition and make sure the fluid levels are adequate. Ideally the gas tank should be at least half-filled, whenever your aging loved-one wants to use the vehicle.

You may also want to stock up the car with an emergency supply kit containing a working cell phone, jumper cables, an ice scraper, and some warm clothes and blankets. Make your loved one watch the weather forecast, before heading out.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your home and car safe is important to keep your aging loved one safe. However, you should also make sure they are making their regular doctor appointments to stay fit and healthy. Regular vision test and daily exercise is a must.