Home safety has been in the spotlight for some time now. People are living longer and choosing to stay in their homes, and often homeowners have their elderly or disabled relatives or friends move in or visit. Even if you never have an older person visit, you can follow these tips to provide a safe environment for your family and all visitors. A few minor changes can ensure you or your older family members are able to maintain a high quality of life and stay at home, rather than having to move to a recuperation or long-term care facility.

Number-One Problem Area

The bathroom is probably one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Objects in the bathroom tend to be hard with sharp edges, and the surfaces often get wet. Some people find it beneficial to install grab bars by the shower or tub and toilet, so that anyone can hold onto the bars to steady themselves. People should not use towel racks or wall-mounted soap dishes as grab bars to gain balance or position themselves into standing or sitting positions. Although convenient because they are usually within reach, these objects could cause a fall if they become loose. People with impaired balance or limited endurance will benefit from a shower chair or tub bench.

Non-slip mats prevent people from slipping in the tub or shower, too, and proper lighting can prevent people from tripping or bumping into objects. Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms during nighttime hours.


Step Up to Safety

Stairways account for another cumbersome obstacle that can prove hazardous. Be sure you have handrails for both inside and outside steps. When possible, install railing on both sides of the stairway. Check to be sure the railing is secure.

Install proper lighting for staircases and make sure light switches are accessible at the top and bottom of each stairway. Always keep stairs clear of clutter. Look for loose carpeting or protruding carpet tacks. If you have wooden, stone, slate, or cement steps, install anti-slip tread. To account for impaired depth perception, paint the bottom step a contrasting color to make it more visible. Do not place scatter rugs at the bottom of the stairs.

Elsewhere in the house, be sure to remove all scatter or throw rugs or securely fasten them to the floor.


Bedroom, Kitchen, and Living Room Safety

Check for proper lighting and accessibility to light switches. Remove or fasten all scatter rugs to the floors. Clean up any spills quickly; however, avoid using cleaning products that leave a slippery residue.

Avoid chairs with wheels that pivot or rock. Have a cordless phone available in case of an emergency, but cordless phones also stop working when the electricity goes off, so keep at least one phone that is not cordless, to use in the case of an electrical outage. Make sure extension cords are tucked away and not running across the room. Arrange furniture to make sure walkways are wide enough to promote safe mobility.

A few environmental adaptations and modifications aid in making your home safer for you and for everyone who enters your home.


Jennifer Kaczynski has been an occupational therapist for four years. She can be reached at jkaczot@yahoo.com.