Safety: Quick home safety tips for seniors

by Norma Pfluge 08/28/2023

Seniors face increasing risks of injuries as they get older. When you have a senior member of your household, it's important to make sure your home is safe for them. If you're the senior in your home, try these safety measures:

Eliminate fall hazards

Falls are one of the top causes of serious injuries. Go through your home and remove any items posing as a tripping hazard, which includes removing or heavily securing area or throw rugs. Also, make sure cords are safely secured along walls rather than running across your floor. Stairways should be well-lit and have no debris or items on the steps.

Improve bathroom safety

Bathrooms can cause injuries due to slippery surfaces. You can make the bathrooms in your home safer in several ways, such as installing grab bars near toilets and in shower stalls. Bathroom floors should have a slip-resistant mat in the tub to prevent slipping and falling, as well as a secure mat to step onto once exiting the shower or tub to avoid slick wet floors.

Other safety measures might include having a walk-in shower installed instead of a regular bathtub, since these are easier to get into and out of and placing a bathing chair in the tub or shower, if needed.

Improve kitchen safety

Rearrange your kitchen so items can easily be reached in cabinets and cupboards. You might want to install cupboard organizers you can pull out of cabinets and cupboards to make items easier to access, as well.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy

Make sure emergency contact numbers, such as 911, Poison Control and healthcare providers, are kept in a handy area, such as on the fridge, which ensures all house members have quick and reliable access to them in the event of an emergency.

Check stair railings and banisters

Stair railings and banisters should be in good condition to reduce the risk of falls on stairs. Tighten any loose banisters and railings in your home, and replace any in bad condition.

About the Author
Author

Norma Pfluge

 Meet Norma, a trusted realtor in Middle Tennessee. With over 20 years of experience living in Smyrna with her husband and two children, she has a deep understanding of the local community. Norma's background in customer service and the medical field has given her the skills to provide excellent care and service to her clients, no matter the price point of their home.

With a passion for service and a commitment to professionalism, Norma strives to make each client's experience smooth and memorable. As a real estate agent, her first priority is education, as she listens to her clients' needs and wants and uses her skills and 10+ years of experience to deliver a stress-free and enjoyable home buying or selling experience.

Norma is dedicated to making a life-changing difference in her clients' lives and is committed to providing the highest level of service. Let Norma help you navigate the exciting journey of buying or selling your home.