How to Create a Danger Free Home for the Elderly

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Maintaining a safe environment for the elderly is key to letting them live a happy, independent, hazard-free life at home.

As we age, falls and bumps can cause serious injuries, so reducing hazards at home becomes essential. To keep your loved ones safe at home, here’s a guide on creating a safe home for the elderly.

Hazards at Home

Before you make a home safer, identify hazards that may be hiding in plain sight. Even small risks can harm older or less mobile people. Be sure to look out for:

• Tripping hazards such as thick rugs, loose wires or cluttered walkways
• Slippery surfaces, often found in bathrooms or kitchens
• Hard-to-reach cabinets that increase the risk of over-stretching
• Faulty electrical equipment that could cause a fire

Less obvious dangers also matter. Poorly stored medication, overly hot water heaters or inadequate lighting can all lead to accidents. Spotting these issues first makes creating a safer home much easier.

How to Make a Home Safe for the Elderly

Once you’ve identified the hazards, start making changes to create a safer home. These simple steps help your loved one stay independent and enjoy life at home with less risk.

Create Clear Walkways

If possible, arrange furniture to create wide, clear walkways throughout the home. Push couches, TVs and bookshelves against walls where appropriate to free up space. Keep pathways clear of small tables, footstools and trailing cables, and make sure frequently used items sit within easy reach. These simple changes make it easier and safer for an older person to move around without having to squeeze past obstacles or risk tripping.

Remove Tripping Hazards

While clearing walkways, look carefully for potential tripping hazards. Loose or tangled wires, thick or upturned rugs, uneven flooring, shoes and everyday clutter can all cause falls. Check each room methodically, tidying items away and securing rugs and cables firmly in place. Keep floors clear of obstacles so walkways can be navigated safely without weaving around clutter or risking a trip.

Ensure Lighting is Adequate

Good lighting makes every room safer and easier to navigate. Dim areas increase the risk of trips, especially for people with reduced vision. Check that hallways, staircases and entrances are well-lit, and replace any dim or flickering bulbs promptly. Add extra lamps or motion-sensor night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and corridors to help with night-time movement. Keeping the home well-lit helps older people move around safely and confidently, reducing the chance of trips or surprises.

Remove or Cover Slippery Surfaces

Slippery floors are a major cause of falls, especially in bathrooms, kitchens and entrance areas. Check for wet patches, polished tiles or loose mats that can slide underfoot. Wherever possible, remove or replace slick flooring with safer materials. If replacement isn’t practical, add non-slip mats, rugs with rubber backing or adhesive strips to improve grip. Wiping up spills promptly and encouraging the use of indoor footwear, even something as simple as a pair of well-fitting slippers, can help prevent an accidental slip.

Install Safety Bars Where Necessary

Safety bars give older people extra support and confidence when moving around the home. Focus on areas where balance is most at risk, such as bathrooms, staircases and near beds. Install sturdy grab bars beside toilets, baths, showers and along stair rails to provide a secure handhold. Make sure each bar is fitted at the correct height and firmly anchored to the wall. These additions can greatly reduce falls and help your loved one stay independent for longer.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit ready offers peace of mind if something unexpected happens. Keep essential items together in an easy-to-reach place, such as a clearly marked box or bag. Include basics like a charged mobile phone or emergency call device, contact numbers, a torch, spare batteries, first aid supplies and any important medication. Make sure your loved one knows where the kit is stored and can reach it quickly. Checking and updating it regularly ensures everything stays ready for use.

Organise Medication

If you care for an elderly relative, tracking their medication may feel routine, but it’s vital. A missed or incorrect dose can cause serious harm, so make it simple and consistent. Keep all medicines together in an easy-to-reach place away from heat and moisture, and use clearly labelled containers or a weekly pill organiser to separate tablets by day and time. An up-to-date list of prescriptions with dosages and timings, combined with reminders on a phone, watch or smart speaker, can give you peace of mind that every dose is taken safely and on schedule.

Ensure Electrics Are Safe to Use

Unsafe electrics can pose serious risks. Check plugs, sockets and leads for damage, and replace anything faulty straight away. Avoid overloaded adaptors and keep wires tucked safely out of walkways. Make sure switches and appliances are within easy reach, and use surge protectors or circuit breakers for extra security.

Electrical safety may feel obvious to younger people, but it can confuse older generations, so regular checks are an important way to protect your loved one.

Introduce Mobility Furniture to the Home

Adding mobility furniture, such as our riser recliner chairs and adjustable beds, can make a home far safer and easier to live in. These products provide proper support when sitting or standing, reduce the risk of falls, relieve back pain, maintain good posture and improve comfort for longer periods. Adjustable beds also help with poor sleep, while helping to reduce indigestion and discomfort. By fitting furniture to your loved one’s needs, you create a supportive environment that promotes independence and confidence every day.

Experience the Benefits of Mobility Furniture for Free

To see the benefits of a riser recliner chair or adjustable bed first-hand, try Grosvenor Mobility’s free home trial. A specialist will deliver and set up the furniture, answer any questions and let you test it in your own home with no obligation to buy.