Safety is perhaps the most important factor when debating whether aging in place is a sound alternative to senior living. And while some potential hazards are easy to identify, others may not be as obvious, especially if you or a loved one have lived in a home for many years.
Before you decide about aging in place, try looking at your home with fresh eyes so you can accurately assess any hidden dangers.
A few statistics on the hazards of home
- Trips and falls are the most common accidents in the home. According to the National Safety Council, the second leading cause of deaths occurring in the home is falls. One in four older Americans falls every year. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries.
- Injury rates increase with age.
- The bathroom is considered the most dangerous room in the house.
Download our free guide: Determining the Right Time for Your Move. Should you stay or should you go?
Is your home a good choice for aging in place? A few things to look for:
- Bathroom: Some of the more obvious potential hazards in a bathroom are slippery floors, lack of grab bars in the shower, and low toilets (getting up from a toilet seat that is too low is a major source of injury in the bathroom). Also, loose towel racks that could be used by a senior to avoid a fall (but can’t take the weight). Stepping in and out of a bathtub can pose a risk; a walk-in shower would be preferable. Adding a bench or chair to that shower is even better.
- Kitchen: Cabinets that are too high pose a hazard. A stove or oven that is not clearly labeled or that does not have an automatic shutoff can result in burns or a fire. There should be a fire extinguisher close by. Overhead shelves that make putting away cans and other food items a risky task. Faucets should be easy to use. Handles on the refrigerator should be accessible from a wheelchair or walker.
- Living areas: Stacks of magazines or other sources of clutter can easily cause a senior to trip or fall. Poor lighting is another factor to be addressed. Keeping a clear waking path around furniture is essential for successful aging in place. Loose rugs, and oversized furniture that is difficult to rise from should be removed. Carpeting should be affixed firmly to the floor.
- Entryway: A ramp with handrails can help guard against a nasty fall. Motion-detection lighting is a good idea. Doorways should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. A covered entryway will offer protection from bad weather. Make sure there are no tripping hazards.
- Stairs: Light switches should be located at the top and bottom of a stairway. Consider replacing the current bulbs with LED lightbulbs with higher brightness. Motion-detection lighting is a good choice here as well. Remove any loose rug material from the stairs. Or consider installing a stair lift which can help reduce the risk of falling up or down the stairs.
- Security system and medical alert system. Perhaps one of the most important factors for successful aging in place is being able to access emergency assistance when needed. This can be a medical alert system that allows you to connect with a 24/7 monitoring center at the push of a button. It also includes having a security system to warn you of an intrusion.
Feeling safe, secure and comfortable in your home is so important, especially as the years go by. Unfortunately, most homes don’t meet the safety standards that are necessary for healthy aging and making these modifications and additions can be quite costly. Not having quick access to assistance in an emergency can be very dangerous.
Plus, the hazards that being isolated and feeling lonely can pose to emotional, mental and physical health can have a profound negative effect on health and longevity.
That’s why for many older adults, choosing senior living is the right move.
You’re living in an environment designed specifically for your safety and wellbeing. You have access to emergency assistance 24/7. Delicious dining is prepared for you. Housekeeping is done for you. The atmosphere is focused on lifelong wellness and quality of life. All the benefits of healthy socializing surround you whenever you want company.
As you contemplate how safe your home is for aging in place, we hope you’ll consider St. Mark Village, where you can live the good life, and retire without worry, confident that seamless access to future care options is yours.
Live independently, live fully. Download our free guide: Determining the Right Time for Your Move. Should you stay or should you go? Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
