We all know that accidents happen meaning that simple tasks can become potential hazards very easily making it essential to create a safe and secure living space for people in an elderly age group. This added security is bound to go a long way in keeping them safe in preventing an accident.
While many people tend to focus on keeping their child safe, people who look after an elderly member of the family may have to concern themselves more with providing a safe environment and protecting them too.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some top tips and pieces of advice to improve safety at home for the elderly, as well as the rest of the family, enhancing their quality of life and providing peace of mind for both them and their caregivers.
Conduct an Assessment For Home Safety Hazards
Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the home environment. Identify potential hazards and areas that may pose risks for falls. Pay attention to high-traffic areas, staircases, bathrooms, and the kitchen. This can even help with fire safety as it reduces the risk of any unknown fire hazards in your home being left unturned.
When conducting a home assessment, look for uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or clutter that could be tripping hazards. This assessment serves as the foundation for implementing targeted safety measures. Keeping the elder members of the family out of dangerous situations is key to having a happy home life as a caregiver.
Loose rugs and carpets are common culprits for trips and falls. Secure them to the floor using double-sided tape or non-slip pads. Alternatively, consider removing unnecessary rugs to create a more even walking surface.
Install Adequate Lighting
Even though accidents happen fairly commonly, proper lighting is crucial for making your elderly family members stay safe, especially in areas with high fall risks. You must act fast to ensure that all rooms, hallways, and staircases in your home are well-lit to reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.
Consider installing motion-activated lights in key locations, such as bathrooms and hallways, to provide illumination as soon as someone enters the area. Adequate lighting not only enhances visibility but also promotes a sense of security for the elderly.
Installing adequate lighting in your home can cause some fire risks in themselves as many bulbs can overheat, causing a fire to potentially break out in your home. This makes it vital for you to research the bulbs you purchase before buying.
Install Stairlifts and Handrails
Stairlifts are innovative mobility devices designed to assist people who suffer from mobility issues in navigating stairs safely and comfortably. These devices are particularly beneficial for the elderly and people with physical disabilities, providing a practical solution to the obstacle of staircases within homes.
Straight stairlifts are designed for staircases without curves or turns, straight stairlifts are the most common type. They are relatively easy to install and more cost-effective than curved models.
Curved stairlifts are custom-designed to navigate staircases with turns, angles, or spirals. The rail is specifically crafted to match the unique shape of the staircase.
Outdoor stairlifts are weather-resistant and built to withstand outdoor elements. They are commonly used for providing access to porches, decks, or outdoor spaces with stairs.
Stairlifts are perfect for people with limited mobility, allowing them to move freely between different levels of their homes, promoting independence and autonomy.
Stairlifts significantly reduce the risk of falls on staircases, especially for those who may struggle with balance or strength. They offer a convenient and comfortable means of navigating stairs without physical exertion, making daily activities more manageable.
With various types available, stairlifts can accommodate different needs, including straight or curved staircases, outdoor use, and wheelchair accessibility. Most units have a foldable design, allowing them to be neatly tucked away when not in use. This ensures that the staircase remains accessible to others in the household.
If you require any further advice surrounding stairlift units, our team are happy to provide you with any advice you could need surrounding these units while informing you on how to use these machines without an accident occurring.
Installing handrails in strategic locations can significantly enhance stability and improve mobility for the elderly. Place handrails along staircases and in hallways, and consider adding grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower. These assistive devices provide crucial support, especially in areas where balance may be compromised.
Create a Clutter-Free Environment
Clutter can impede mobility and increase the risk of accidents. Organise belongings and declutter living spaces to create a more open and accessible environment. Simple measures like tidying up can go a long way in preventing these incidents.
Evaluate the necessity of each piece of furniture, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider creating a more streamlined and open space by removing excess furniture that may obstruct pathways.
Regularly assess living spaces for unnecessary items and clutter. Discard or donate items that are no longer needed, and find designated storage spaces for essential belongings. This includes any dangerous items that should be kept out of children’s reach to avoid the risk of injury to your family.
Keeping your family safe can be done in very few simple steps, providing extra security to members of any age group in your household.
Regular Home Maintenance Checks
Schedule regular home maintenance checks to address any potential safety issues. This includes inspecting for loose handrails, damaged flooring, or malfunctioning lights.
In addition to regular maintenance for hydraulic systems, a similar dedication to routine checks is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the home environment. You should establish a schedule for regular home maintenance checks, focusing on various aspects to address potential safety issues.
Inspecting for loose handrails is a fundamental part of home safety checks, especially in areas with stairs or elevated platforms. Secure handrails are essential for preventing accidents and providing stability.
Any signs of looseness or instability should be promptly addressed through tightening or replacement to maintain a secure and reliable support structure.
Another critical aspect of home safety checks involves examining the condition of flooring. Damaged or uneven flooring poses a significant risk of slips and falls. Regularly inspecting worn-out or damaged flooring materials and addressing these issues promptly can help prevent accidents and injuries.
Malfunctioning lights can create hazardous conditions, particularly in poorly lit areas. Regularly check all lighting fixtures, including bulbs and wiring, to ensure they are in good working condition.
Promptly addressing any issues with lighting helps maintain a well-lit environment, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety.
Home Safety with Halton Stairlifts
Creating a safe and comfortable home environment for the elderly involves a combination of thoughtful planning, practical adjustments, and ongoing attention to their needs.
By implementing the steps outlined in this guide, caregivers and family members can significantly improve safety at home for the elderly, allowing them to maintain independence and age with dignity.
For those who are interested in purchasing a stairlift unit to assist with mobility challenges, may this be due to age or an accident, the team at Halton Stairlifts are experts in this field providing high-quality stairlifts to people all over the UK.
If you do not need a full-time solution for mobility challenges, you also have the option of renting a stairlift from our stock. With the full support of the Halton Stairlifts team, you are sure to find the perfect solution for you.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.