Safety Tips for Seniors at Home

Many older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age, but not all homes are set up safely for that. If your aging parent is considering aging in place, or if you're a family caregiver supporting an older relative at home, there are practical steps you can take to reduce risks and make the environment safer.

• Assemble important phone numbers in case of emergency.
• Keep important paperwork in one place.
• Clear or manage fall risks.
• Consider a medical alert system.
• Install a home security system.
• Make sure smoke detectors are up to date and accessible.
• Keep a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
• Plan ahead for emergencies and disasters.

Assemble important phone numbers in case of emergency.

Having key numbers written down and posted by the phone, on the fridge, or in another obvious spot saves time when you need them fast. Both seniors and their caregivers should keep a list of emergency contacts accessible.

Important phone numbers include:

• 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Your parent's primary care doctor for non-emergency medical questions.
• Your health care provider.
• Your utility company numbers.
• An emergency contact (also program this in your cell phone).
• Local emergency services in your area.
• CDC hotline: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).
• Poison Control: 800-222-1222. This is especially important for households with both seniors and children—over one-third of children treated in emergency rooms for medication poisoning took drugs prescribed to a grandparent or older family member.

Apartment Guide offers a printable emergency numbers template you can customize and post.

Keep important paperwork in one place.

In an emergency, knowing where to find wills, insurance papers, bank statements, and medical records matters. These documents scatter easily through a house, but keeping them centralized means you can find what you need quickly when time is short. Since they contain sensitive information like Social Security numbers, store them securely—but make sure at least one trusted person knows where they are.

Clear or manage fall risks.

Six out of ten falls happen at home. Falls can result from features built into your home's design or from everyday clutter. If you can't hire a professional to assess safety, do a thorough walkthrough yourself. The bathroom is particularly risky because of wet, slippery surfaces. Install grab bars in the tub, shower, and by the toilet—they give seniors something stable to hold while getting up and down. Non-skid pads on the floor keep surfaces dry. Keep hallways and walkways clear of toys, clutter, and pets. Area rugs are common trip hazards, so removing them helps prevent falls.

Good lighting matters for fall prevention. Install lights at both ends of staircases and hallways so someone with vision problems can see where they're going. Night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms help if the main lights fail or if someone needs to move around at night. They also reveal changes in floor level (from carpet to hardwood, for example) that can catch a foot. Keep everyday items at waist level or lower—not on high shelves or cabinets that require reaching or climbing. This is especially important in kitchens, where seniors may not be able to safely reach dishes or food on high shelves. Even with a sturdy step stool, climbing poses real risks for older adults.

Consider a medical alert system.

A medical alert system gives your parent a wearable button they can press to call for help if they fall or have a medical emergency at home. It's most useful for seniors who spend time alone or want to stay independent. Different companies offer different features—some work only indoors, others work when you leave the house. Before choosing, think about how often your parent leaves home, whether you want professional monitoring, and whether the company offers returns if the system doesn't work out. Check that any system is loud enough to hear if your parent wears hearing aids.

Install a home security system.

A home security system costs money but gives both seniors and caregivers peace of mind. Systems vary in price and features, but many include front door cameras, sensors on doors and windows, and quick response times for emergencies. Security matters more for older adults, who may move slowly in an emergency or feel unsafe living alone. Look for a system that's straightforward to use.

Make sure smoke detectors are up to date and accessible.

Test your smoke alarms monthly and track when you replace the batteries (at least once a year) and the alarms themselves (every ten years, according to the U.S. Fire Administration). If you or your parent is deaf or hard of hearing, look for detectors that also flash strobe lights. Some models have vibration sensors that go under a pillow and shake when smoke is detected.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure your parent can operate it—arthritis or stiff fingers can make it hard to pull the pin or press the handle. Unplug small appliances when not in use to prevent fires, though this can be hard for someone with memory loss who may need help in the kitchen. In case of evacuation, keep emergency documents and essentials like car keys near the front door where they're easy to grab.

Keep a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to a potential leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning is common in winter when heating systems and water heaters run constantly. Older adults are more vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, so install a detector near the bedroom. Keep heating systems, appliances, gas lines, and water heaters regularly maintained to prevent leaks.

Plan ahead for emergencies and disasters.

If a natural disaster hits your area, you may need to shelter in place for several days or evacuate quickly. The American Red Cross offers a Disaster Preparedness Guide written by and for seniors, with detailed recommendations for planning. Start by identifying what disasters are likely where you live—winter storms, earthquakes, floods—and prepare accordingly.

Put together a go-bag with important documents, medications, and other essentials in one place so you can leave quickly if needed. Know how to shut off utilities if necessary. Keep bottled water and non-perishable food on hand. Store a flashlight and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach spot—don't use matches or candles during a power outage or gas leak. Label assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers with contact information in case they get separated during evacuation.

Learn what your community's emergency plans are. Contact local authorities ahead of time to understand when you'd be told to shelter in place versus evacuate. If your parent can't drive, ask the city what evacuation help is available for people who need assistance. The key to staying safe in an emergency is planning before it happens.

References:

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2019/safety-tips/

https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-home-safety-tips-older-adults

webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/keeping-seniors-safe-in-their-own-homes

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