1. Home Safety for Seniors

2. Introduction
Your home can become an unfriendly place as you age, but modifications can be made to make your home a safe environment.
Areas of possible improvement include:
Fall Prevention
Prescription Organization
Kitchen, Bathroom & Electrical Safety
Planning for Emergencies

3. Fall Prevention Remove clutter from halls and stairs
Remove throw rugs that aren’t securely held down
Keep floors dry and in good repair; wipe up spills promptly
Use night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
Avoid slippers or other loose-fitting shoes for the person who’s unsteady on their feet
Use a correctly measured walking aid

4. Other Fall Prevention Ideas
Wear a personal medical alert system with GPS tracking
Get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time and make sure you have your balance first
Wear clothes you can’t trip over and make sure your shoes don’t trip you up
Wear shoes both inside and outside
Get proper exercise to improve balance, strength and coordination
Consider having all cordless phones
Get an adequate daily dose of Vitamin D, which is associated with reduced risk of falls

5. Prescription Organization
Review your medications frequently with your doctor or pharmacist, especially when you’ve been prescribed new medications
Doctors should review medications seniors are taking to eliminate combinations that cause dizziness or confusion
Make sure your medicines are clearly labeled
Have medication dispensed in a convenient dispenser
Dispose of any old or expired medicines

6. Kitchen, Bathroom & Electrical Safety
Kitchen Safety:
Keep floors clear, clean & uncluttered
Store sharp knives in a rack
Mark on & off positions on appliances clearly with bright colors
Store heavier objects at waist level
Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove
Make sure food is rotated regularly & check expiration dates; throw out any expired food

7. Kitchen, Bathroom & Electrical Safety
Leave a light on in your bathroom at night
Use recommended bath aids, such as grab bars, securely installed on the walls of the shower stall and on the sides of the toilet
Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower
Keep the bathroom floor dry
Lower the water temperature to 120 degrees or lower
Add a raised toilet seat if the toilet is too low

8. Kitchen, Bathroom & Electrical Safety
Place lamp, extension and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic
Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting
Replace damaged or frayed cords
Change your smoke detector battery when Daylight Savings Time starts and ends
Place space heaters away from flammable materials
Use appropriately sized lightbulbs for lamp fixtures

9. Planning for Emergencies
Keep a telephone close to you
Keep chargeable phones fully charged
Post emergency numbers near the telephone and post emergency contact information on the refrigerator
Keep fire extinguishers in easy-to-reach places
Read fire extinguisher labels carefully so you know how to use it and know if it needs to be replaced periodically
Keep entryways, stairs, and a path to the exit well-lit and clear of clutter

10. Sources
“Steady as you Go: Tips for Preventing Falls,” Dr. Sascha Dublin, The Costco Connection September 2016
“Fall Prevention Guideline,” Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of Washington