National Safety Month: 5 Simple Home Safety Fixes for Older Adults

OMAHA, Neb., June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- While many Americans know June as the official start to summer, it also marks the beginning of National Safety Month ? a time dedicated to reducing the leading causes of injury at work, on the road and in homes.

Though millions of older adults would prefer to age in place, some find their home is no longer equipped to meet their living and safety needs later in life. In fact, Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, found that only 3.5% of U.S. residences have zero-step entries, accessible bedrooms and bathrooms on the entry floor, and hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. As a result, older adults face a higher risk of injury inside the home. Additionally, 33% of seniors' trips to the hospital and ER are caused by falls and other accidents at home.

"While it's important to make home safety a priority at any age, taking certain safety measures can greatly benefit older loved ones who experience issues with mobility or vision," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. "Many home fixes can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively. For example, by removing slippery rugs or installing support rails, you can reduce the risk of falls and offer peace of mind for everyone."

National Safety Month is the perfect time to reassess the safety of your home or check for common pitfalls that could put you or your loved ones at risk. Home Instead Senior Care recommends the following fixes to keep older adults safe at home.

• Improve lighting. Inadequate lighting is a safety hazard and high fixtures often pose a problem for seniors with shoulder problems. LED bulbs typically have a longer service life and can provide improved lighting in numerous areas of the home including entrances, bathrooms, hallways and bedrooms.
• Check bathroom safety. Sunken tubs and slippery steps make for an accident waiting to happen. By installing curb-less showers, grab bars and slip-resistant mats, homeowners can minimize the risk of accidental injuries in the bathroom.
• De-clutter walkways. It's easy for magazines, bills and other items to pile up over time, putting seniors at high risk for household accidents, such as trips and falls. It is important to ensure all hallways, stairs and paths are clear of unnecessary objects.
• Increase stability. Stairs aren't always designed for those with balance or mobility issues. Consider adding a stair lift or glide. Railings can make access in and out of a home easier for older adults.
• Move electrical cords. Cords can pose a tripping hazard for many. Use extension cords to run electrical cords behind furnishings and utilize power strips where several cords can be plugged into one long power source.

For more home safety resources, including a 10-question home readiness quiz, visit http://www.homeyourownway.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 70 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 80,000 CAREGivers worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum ? from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

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SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care