Aging in Place: Home Safety Basics

The most dangerous place for a senior is usually their own bathroom.

Falls are the number-one cause of injury for older adults — and most are preventable. Start where falls actually happen: grab bars at the toilet and in the shower, a shower chair, non-slip mats. Then light the path — motion-sensor night lights from the bed to the bathroom. Clear the floor: throw rugs, cords, and clutter are tripwires. Move everyday items below shoulder height so nobody climbs on a chair. Add a weekly medication organizer and a posted emergency contact list. Consider a medical alert device for anyone living alone. Most of these changes together cost less than a hundred dollars.

One weekend of small fixes can prevent the fall that starts the hospital-rehab-facility spiral. And if you’d like a professional set of eyes on the home, a safety review is part of any good care assessment.

This has been Care Without Crisis Explains, presented by Vanguard Care Solutions.

For more free videos and family resources — or when you’re ready to talk about care at home — visit vanguardcaresolutions.com or call 301-327-1444.