Aging in place: Home safety for older adults

Many people prefer the idea of remaining in the comfort of their own home as they age. While older adults are living at home, both they and their caregivers need to consider all the obstacles and issues that may arise, particularly as they relate to mobility and safety.

With that in mind, here are options to consider when updating a home for aging in place.

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What is aging in place?

Aging in place means an adult remains in their own home — not at an assisted living facility or a nursing home — during the later years of life.¹

Where that home is might be flexible. It could be the house they grew up in, the "forever home" where they raised a family or the downsized space they moved into, like an apartment or townhouse.

Aging in place could also mean moving in with friends or a family member to enjoy both a sense of independence and community support.

Challenges of at-home care

Even though a living situation might seem safe enough for the time being, it may not be equipped for the changes that come with age.

One of the biggest concerns is a heightened risk for falls. Indeed, about one-fourth of people age 65 or older experience a fall each year.² Sensory impairments are another challenge. These include everything from impaired hearing and vision to the loss of feeling in the feet, which is surprisingly common.³

Just 10% of homes in the United States are considered “aging ready,” meaning they have a step-free entryway, a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor, and at least one bathroom safety feature, like a built-in shower seat, an elevated toilet, or a handrail or grab bar.⁴

These and other risks can be greatly reduced by making just a few improvements to the home.

Seniors living independently

While family and friends can become caregivers for many older adults, those who don't have a robust social network can lean on community resources. Anyone looking for support can start by contacting their local or state office for aging or social services.

Whether or not a carer will be checking in regularly, it’s important to make sure all the recommended safety measures are in place.

Home safety measures

Staying safe at home means preventing falls and improving accessibility. Here's information about safety measures for different rooms in the home.

General home safety

Most at-home safety revolves around preventing falls, especially if someone plans to age in place in a home with stairs. For one, it's important to have secure handrails on both sides of every staircase in the home, whether they lead to a basement or an outdoor patio.

Good lighting (both overhead and outlet lights) can also help prevent tripping. Even better? Motion-activated outlet lights, which illuminate hallways and stairwells in the home when they sense movement.

Also it's important to be mindful of tripping hazards. Get rid of shoes, clothes or any other clutter on the floor or stairs. Keep cords tucked away and put no-slip (or nonskid) mats or strips on any tile and wooden floors.

Bedroom safety

In the bedroom, keep access to lighting close at hand. Nightlights and motion-activated lights can be helpful here as well.

For the bed itself: Consider a mattress and bedframe that put the bed at an accessible height, which is anywhere from 20 to 23 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress.⁵ Additionally, bed support and accessories can be added for optimal comfort and security. (Read more about bed support.)

In case of an emergency, it’s important to keep a landline or cell phone on the nightstand, as well as a flashlight in the event of a power outage.⁶

Seguridad en el baño

The bathroom might be the most dangerous room in the house: Falls in the bathroom are twice as likely to result in an injury compared to falls in the living room.⁷ Some easy ways to help prevent that include adding a built-in seat in the shower or bath, installing grab bars and using an elevated toilet seat.

A walk-in shower can also help mitigate the risk of falling, since a person doesn’t have to climb over a tub wall. (Learn more about bathroom safety.)

Kitchen safety

Nearly 10% of people age 65 or older have said that reaching or opening kitchen cabinets can be challenging, which is why optimizing the kitchen accordingly can be helpful.

Consider installing easy-to-reach cabinets or shelving, and swapping small knobs for handle-style pulls. It may also be a good idea to switch sink knobs to levers or handles.⁸

Adults age 65 or older are also at a higher risk of injury or death from kitchen fires because of sensory impairments and physical limitations. For that reason, invest in a splash guard to prevent grease splatter, and keep potholders or oven mitts nearby when using the stove.⁹ An automatic shut-off switch on the stove can offer even more peace of mind.¹⁰

While all the above are good first steps, it’s best to discuss options with a health care provider, as every home, person and living situation is unique.

Technology and assistive devices

The rise of smart devices - both for streamlining household tasks and monitoring personal health - can make aging in place more accessible. Here are options for aging adults and their families to consider.

Smart-home devices

Smart-home devices—like voice-controlled virtual assistants, video doorbells and automated lighting—are convenient for many, but they can be a true game-changer for older adults.

Research has found these technologies can help people aging in place maintain their independence and improve their safety.¹¹ On top of that, an intelligent voice-controlled personal assistant, like the one built into smart speakers, can even help detect falls and alert emergency responders.¹²

Medical alert systems

These days, there are two types of personal emergency response systems: 1) the kind worn on a necklace or wristband with a button that can be pressed in case of emergency, and 2) newer versions that can detect fall-like movements and call for help immediately.^13,14 With these, aging adults might be able to get help faster in the event of an emergency, like a hard fall with no easy way of getting up.

That said, these personal safety devices might not be for everyone — for instance, people with memory loss might press the button when it’s not actually needed — so talk to a health care provider about options.

Home blood pressure monitor

An at-home tensiómetro — think the cuff that squeezes an arm during a physical exam — is an easy way to track blood pressure at home, as well as giving an idea of whether blood pressure is normal, elevated or in the range of hypertension.

While you should discuss exactly how to use the monitor with your health care provider, it typically works best by measuring blood pressure at the same time every day. Sit with the back straight and feet flat on the floor and take two readings one minute apart.¹⁵

At-home diabetes test

For those managing diabetes, a monitor de glucosa can alert the person to high or low glucose levels. Not only can it help avoid hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which are more common in older adults, but caregivers can also remotely view the data and act accordingly with some models.¹⁶

Walking canes, rollators and walkers for seniors

Devices like canes and walkers can help reduce the risk of falling among people age 60 or older, as well as reducing the risk of the severity of a fall.¹⁷ The right option can depend on certain factors, like balance and leg strength, so talk to a health care provider to determine which might be best.¹⁸

There are many options of bastones y andadores to choose from.

Downsizing considerations

Only about 10% of homes are considered aging ready, so downsizing might be worthwhile.¹⁹ Eliminate the need for stairs by moving to an apartment, or organize existing space so a person can live entirely on the first floor.

While aging in place is popular, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of the different living options. Before making a decision, be sure to speak with family, caregivers and potential service programs that can help you make a choice that may best fit your needs.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.