Aging in Place Safely
Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Simple changes in the home and routine make that safer and more comfortable. The biggest risk is falling: one in four adults 65 and older falls each year, and many falls cause broken hips and head injuries.
- Older Adults
- Family Caregivers
- Home Health Workers
Preventing falls
- Remove tripping hazards: loose rugs, cords across walkways, clutter, thresholds and uneven flooring. Use non-slip backing or tape down rugs you keep.
- Add handrails on both sides of stairs, with good lighting and contrasting step edges. Keep stairs clear. See Fall Prevention at Home.
- Install grab bars in the shower, tub and beside the toilet, anchored into studs, not towel bars. Use non-slip mats or strips in tubs and showers, and consider a shower chair and handheld sprayer.
- Use night lights in bedrooms, halls and bathrooms and bright lighting on stairs and entries. Put a light switch you can reach before you walk into a dark room.
- Wear supportive, non-slip shoes or slippers, not socks alone, and keep frequently used items at waist-to-shoulder height.
- Get vision and hearing checks, and review medicines that cause dizziness. Exercise that builds strength and balance, such as tai chi, reduces falls.
- Consider first-floor living with a bedroom and bathroom on the main level, or a stair lift or ramp when stairs become hard.
Bathroom and kitchen
- Raise the toilet seat if standing up is hard. Install a walk-in shower or tub transfer bench when needed.
- Set the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalds, and consider anti-scald valves. See Water Heaters.
- Make kitchen items easy to reach, use a sturdy step stool with a handle (not a chair), and keep a fire extinguisher and working alarms. See Kitchen Safety.
- Use auto shut-off appliances and stove guards for people with memory problems.
Fire, CO and emergencies
- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly. Interconnected alarms help people with hearing loss; some alarms use strobe lights or bed shakers. See Smoke & CO Alarms.
- Have a fire escape plan that works for your mobility, with a bedroom phone and, if you can't leave quickly, a plan for a fire department to know. See Home Fire Escape.
- Keep an emergency kit with medicine, a flashlight and a list of contacts. Plan for power outages, extreme heat and cold, and medical equipment that needs power. See Emergency Kit and Power Outages & Generators.
- Consider a medical alert system (a pendant, wristband or fall-detection device) that can call help even if you can't reach a phone. Keep a phone within reach everywhere, including bathrooms.
- Make sure house numbers are visible and give a key or lockbox code to a trusted person for emergency responders.
Medicines and health
- Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, doses and allergies. Use a pill organizer or reminders, and ask the pharmacist to review for interactions. See Medication Safety.
- Store medicines safely and dispose of old ones properly. Keep them away from visitors and children.
- Keep up with doctor visits, vaccines, vision and hearing checks, and eat and drink well. Dehydration and heat are bigger risks as we age. See Extreme Heat at Home.
- Be careful with alcohol and medicines that cause drowsiness.
Home upkeep, scams and staying connected
- Arrange help with risky chores such as ladders, gutters, snow shoveling and roof work. Don't climb ladders if you're unsteady. See Home Ladder Safety.
- Be wary of scams aimed at older adults: phone, mail and online fraud and door-to-door repair offers. See Elder Fraud and Hiring Contractors.
- Stay social: regular calls and visits help catch problems early and reduce isolation. Neighbors, family and community programs can check in daily.
- Consider driving safety and alternatives as needs change. See Older Drivers.
- Look into local resources: the Area Agency on Aging, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), home modification grants and occupational therapists who do home safety assessments.
Aging in place checklist
- Rugs, cords and clutter are removed and lighting is bright, especially at night
- Handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathroom are installed
- Smoke and CO alarms work, and there's a fire escape plan
- I have a phone within reach and a medical alert option
- My medicine list is current and my water heater is at 120 degrees or less
Standards & references
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