by Jennifer Kaczynski

Home safety has been in the spotlight for some time now. People are living longer. The field of occupational therapy works to assist individuals to age in place and maintain the ability to participate in meaningful, purposeful occupations. However, as people age, safety becomes vital to quality of life. If you are thinking about having your parents, grandparents, in-laws, or an elderly individual move into or frequently visit your new home, below are some ways you can ensure their safety by preventing falls, a paramount safety concern among the elderly.

Falls are associated with considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced functioning, and premature admissions to skilled nursing facilities. There are several risk factors that place the elderly at an increased risk for falling: age, health concerns, environmental demands, muscle weakness, decreased balance, visual deficit, and cognitive impairment. 

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Objects in the bathroom tend to be hard and sharp, and often get wet. The following are general guidelines that facilitate safety in the bathroom.

1. Some people find it beneficial to install grab bars by the shower or tub and toilet. It is not recommended that people use towel racks or wall-mounted soap dishes as grab bars. Although usually within reach and convenient for gaining balance or positioning oneself into a standing or sitting position, these objects could cause a fall if they were to loosen. 

2. The use of nonslip mats are recommended to prevent slipping.

3. Proper lighting is important to prevent tripping. Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms during nighttime hours. 

4. People with impaired balance or limited endurance will benefit from a shower chair or tub bench.

Stairways can also prove hazardous to one’s safety.

1. Check that handrails are present for both inside and outside steps. When possible, install railing on both sides of the stairway. Check to be sure that railing is secure.

2. Ensure proper lighting and make sure light switches are accessible at the top and bottom of each stairway.

3. Always keep stairs clear of clutter. 

4. Look for loose carpeting or protruding carpet tracks. If you have wooden, stone, slate, or cement steps, consider installing antislip tread. 

5. To account for impaired depth perception, paint the bottom step a contrasting color to make it more visible. Avoid placing scatter or throw rugs at the bottom of the stairs. If you must have them, be sure to securely fasten them securely to the floor.

The bedroom, kitchen, and living room can also pose dangers.

1. Check for proper lighting and the accessibility of light switches. 

2. Remove or fasten all scatter rugs to the floors. 

3. Clean up any spills, but avoid using cleaning products that may leave a slippery residue.

4. Avoid chairs that have wheels, that pivot, or that rock. 

5. Have a cordless phone available in case of an emergency. 

6. Make sure extension cords are tucked away and not running across a room. 

7. Arrange furniture to make sure walkways are wide enough to promote safe mobility.

The above-mentioned environmental adaptations and modifications aid in making one’s home safer and preventing falls.

Questions to Consider
1. Are you in need of proper lighting, and light switches that are accessible near doorways and staircases? 

2. Are you lacking railings on your stairs, and in other places where someone might need assistance?
3. Do you have scatter rugs that cause people to scuff their feet or that move when they are stepped on?

4. Do smooth surfaces tend to get wet and become slippery?

5. Do the people living in or regularly visiting your house need to hold onto objects such as toilet paper dispensers to gain balance in the bathroom?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, there are ways of making your home a safer place for your loved ones.

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