Safety Tips For Your Home
Let us engage in a collaborative exercise to enhance our home’s safety. Envision your kitchen with me. Consider the space between items on your counters and stove top. Do you have a rug to absorb water or provide comfort in front of your sink? Is there a designated spot for hot items near the oven? Do you need to bend down to reach items from the oven, or is it at a comfortable height? Take a moment to reflect on your most frequently used items. Are they stored on the lower shelf of your cabinets or high up, necessitating frequent use of a step stool? Is your microwave placed on the counter or above the stove, requiring you to reach above your head to access it? Additionally, consider your task lighting. Do you have under-cabinet lights that assist you when entering the kitchen? Are there knobs or pull lever handles on your cabinets?
This exercise focuses on a single room in the house, but there are likely other aspects you have overlooked.
When considering the safety of our own homes, there are several common elements to review. Many of these elements are crucial for individuals of all ages and should be prioritized.
Here are some key considerations:
Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Secure throw rugs
Carpeting with a pile less than half an inch high and firm padding
Handrail security
Fire hazards near the stove and oven
LED fixtures to reduce the frequency of fixture replacements
Entryway lighting, thresholds, and stair illuminations or color strips
Cooktop controls and safety mechanisms
Grab bars in the bathroom (bathtub-shower versus walk-in)
Nonskid shower setup and shower seat
Shower controls and shower heads with a hose
Anti-scald controls on faucets
Clear pathways with lighting
Exterior motion lights
Entry door sidelight or peephole for safety and easy access to the doorbell
Maintenance planning for central vacuum and automatic pet feeding systems
Emergency plan for falls or events requiring immediate medical attention
Medical alert bracelets and a Vial of Life program for emergency medical technicians
To ensure safety, it is important to implement basic safety measures, such as checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices should be reviewed for battery life twice a year, normally during daylight saving time.
Rugs can add a touch of style to a home, but they can also pose a hazard. While they may absorb water splashed from the sink, they often are a tripping hazard and a common cause of falls. This makes it essential to secure them to the floor with double-sided taping if you insist on having them in your home. Thick rugs can also make walking difficult, similar to walking on sand or uneven grass.
Handrails are another important safety feature. They should be securely installed in all outdoor, garage, and indoor stair areas. If there is an option for two railings, both should be installed. Motion sensor lights outside the home can also enhance safety by providing illumination at night.
Minimal thresholds and stairway lighting can be a contributing factor to fall prevention. Sensor lighting in the home, particularly in entrances, bathrooms, and the kitchen, can help ensure everyone’s safety. For individuals with visual impairments, color strips on thresholds and stair treads can further reduce the risk of falls.
In the realm of kitchen safety, a prevalent error is the overloading of countertops near the stove or the unattended use of the stove. This poses a significant fire hazard. Instead, it is advisable to store daily items such as plates, cups, and spices on the lower shelves of wall cabinets. Furthermore, the use of step stools for reaching high places or accessing higher surface types such as the bed should be strictly avoided, as it significantly increases the risk of falls.
When designing a kitchen, consider incorporating pull handles instead of knobs to enhance grip and usability, particularly for individuals of advancing age. Consider wall ovens to reduce bending or squatting to retrieve hot food. Additionally, choosing an appliance with stovetop controls near the front or side of the unit rather than behind can enhance safety for seniors.
One noteworthy product on the market is FireAvert, an automatic shutoff system for stoves designed by a firefighter to prevent fires. This innovative device can contribute to the safety of you and your loved ones.
Beyond kitchen safety, bathroom safety is equally crucial. Grab bars are a common feature in bathrooms, and anti-slip flooring is a necessity. Toilet seat height plays a significant role, especially for older individuals who may require knee or hip replacements. A low-height seat can cause discomfort and difficulty for an arthritic joint. Various shower seats and over-the-toilet seating options are available to enhance bathroom safety. Anti-scald controls and handheld shower heads are also essential considerations.
Finally, home maintenance requirements vary among individuals. If you manage your own home, installing a central vacuum may be a beneficial addition. Automatic pet feeders and litter-changing devices can also contribute to the well-being and safety of your pet.
Emergency preparedness is vital for individuals who have implemented a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. If you are taking multiple medications or have undergone a medical procedure that requires the knowledge of a healthcare professional, it is crucial to have a comprehensive emergency plan in place. One effective program is Vial of Life, which typically includes a sticker on your front door or refrigerator. This serves as a vital resource for emergency responders, providing them with essential information while treating you and preparing for transportation to the hospital. Additionally, some individuals choose to place a list of their medications on their refrigerator, which is often reviewed by public service providers.
In the event of an emergency, it is essential to wear any medical bracelets and keep a phone, watch, or alert button readily accessible. You may also want to consider installing a side light on your front doorway or a lower access peephole for enhanced security. A loud doorbell can also be beneficial, as it can be heard throughout the house. These measures collectively contribute to enhancing the safety of your home.
While these suggestions may seem overwhelming, taking them seriously can significantly ensure your independence and reduce vulnerability to injury. If you are seeking professional assistance in assessing your home and implementing necessary improvements, there are services available within your community. As a certified Aging in Place specialist, I have completed extensive coursework through the National Home Builders Association. This program offers services that can evaluate your specific needs and facilitate collaboration with a local contractor to make the required improvements.
Yes, I know this might have been a lot of information. When I was planning this topic, it was tough to fit everything on the screen for you. I’m passionate about all of this because so many are not. You might be skeptical about making home modifications but I believe in you because I know you are wise. Betty White used to repeat a quote her mother would say to her. “The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.”
Watch out for those peels.
Written by Kayla Fluder, DPT
For further information and access to relevant products and websites, please refer to our resources section. Do not hesitate to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and comfortable for aging in place.