No matter how much we exercise, eat a healthy diet and take care of ourselves, as the years pass, our bodies lose muscle tone, our bones become frailer and our balance is not quite as sure. It becomes time to adapt our surroundings to ensure independent living for seniors. Following some senior safety tips and making a few modifications to the home can create a safe living environment for seniors.

Let’s start in the bathroom, widely considered the most dangerous room in the house for seniors. Water, combined with hard, slick surfaces, jammed into a small, difficult-to-maneuver space cause more than 80% of senior falls. To make bathrooms safer:

  • Install grab bars next to the toilet, in the shower, and in the tub area
  • Use a shower chair and handheld shower head
  • Use a transfer bench to get in and out of the tub
  • Use non-slip mats on the floor of the bathroom and shower, and inside of the tub

In the kitchen, store frequently used items between eye and thigh level, enabling you to access what you need without reaching, climbing, or bending far over. Clean up spills immediately as they can cause fires. Don’t leave food unattended while it’s heating. When preparing food with your gas stove or oven, set timers to remind you to turn the flames off when your meal is cooked. Keep knives out of soapy water, so the sharp blade stays visible while washing up.

Avoid foodborne illnesses by cleaning your pantry and refrigerator out frequently, discarding expired foods promptly. Leftovers refrigerated within two hours of preparation can be kept for up to 4 days.

Avoid burns by keeping your water heater temperature at 120 degrees or lower.

Throughout your home, eliminate fall risks by getting rid of clutter, whether it’s furniture, decorations, or just “stuff.” This will help you navigate your home more cleanly, with less chancing of tripping or losing your balance.

  • Throw out all the throw rugs.
  • Clear all hallways and walkways of obstacles such as boxes and bags and install handrails.
  • Keep your drawers and doors closed.
  • When reaching for items stored above your head, use only a ladder or stepstool, preferably one with handles.

Change out dim light bulbs for higher wattage to brighten up your space, enabling you to see your surroundings and any hazards more easily. Have your furnace and air conditioning inspected twice each year, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the same time the technician visits. Tighten loose screws and fittings around your home and make small repairs immediately, before the issue worsens.

Make the outside of your home safer too, by installing light bulbs with a higher wattage. Arrange for a service to shovel your walks promptly after each snowfall. Make sure gutters point away from walkways to avoid water and ice from accumulating in your path.

Medical and personal care can become a challenge as we grow older. When taking multiple medications, use a pill sorter to help you take medications as prescribed. Ask your pharmacist about individual dosage packs that make medication management even easier. Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible location and check it at least twice a year to replace supplies that have expired.

Often, making these modifications to the home and daily living tasks can be overwhelming; we begin considering senior living communities. With this list in hand, look for retirement living communities that make the health and well-being of residents the top priority.