Whilst winter is coming to an end, many people, especially those that are elderly and vulnerable, will still be spending much of their time indoors and at home. Whether that is because of the cold and wet conditions we regularly experience , or simply because that’s where they feel most comfortable.
Whatever the reason, it’s important for people to ensure their friends, family members or loved ones have a secure and safe home environment – particularly if they live alone.
Our homes are the ultimate safe haven (or should be!), and there are a few things that should be considered to ensure a person’s living space is as safe as possible.
With that in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate home safety checklist for the elderly and vulnerable.
The key is to minimise potential risks around the home, so here are main five things to consider:
- Remove any trip hazards
- Install alarm system, motion or light sensors
- Utilise specialist equipment where necessary
- Ensure all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order
- Keep necessary items to hand and in easy to reach areas
Reducing any potential risk should be the very first port of call as this can aid the reduction in the number of emergencies and accidents.
Remove any trip hazards
Many people will add rugs and soft furnishings to a home to reduce any feelings of cold and to make the floor much softer in the event of a fall.
However, rugs and mats can often be much more of a trip hazard and aren’t as helpful as we may initially think. Often, rugs will curl up in the corner, can have small lumps and bumps, and if placed on to a more slippery surface, will move out of place – and all of these things contribute to a rug being a trip hazard.
To avoid this, we recommend replacing slippery floors with carpet to provide a softer, more even surface. Alternatively, if having carpets isn’t a possibility, then ensure all rugs and loose mats are securely fixed and are completely flat by using a non-slip rug pad, ensure the edges down or use strong, double sided tape to keep it secure.
Other trip hazards include shoes and other soft furnishings that may have fallen onto the floor, such as pillows and blankets as well as wires, leads and cables. It’s important to ensure that all wires, leads and cables are tidied away, tucked behind furniture and removed if not needed.
It’s also worth considering good lighting, to ensure that all areas, especially hallways and stairs are well-lit so that people can easily see where they’re walking and able to avoid bumps and falls.
Alarm systems and sensors
If you or a loved one suffer from ill-health or vulnerability for whatever reason, it may be time to consider wearing a personal alarm in the event of a fall or accident. Whether you’d prefer to alert a friend, family member or a professional carer, a personal alarm will provide peace of mind for any unexpected emergency whilst still prioritising independent living.
For those living with the likes of dementia, a motion sensor or trigger alarm should also be considered, providing an alert for any wandering.
Utilise specialist equipment
Many people put this off, however specialist equipment can enable people to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own home.
From stair lifts, hand rails and a bed raise to walk in showers, commodes, and wet rooms, there are various pieces of specialist equipment that can help people to live safely and comfortably.
Mobility aids should also be available across all areas of the house if required, such as walking sticks.
Ensure all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order
Whilst this should be a priority for everybody regardless of their health condition, having quality fire and smoke alarms installed is even more prevalent for those that are considered vulnerable, particularly if they suffer with any form of memory loss.
For those living with memory loss and conditions such as dementia, it’s important to consider a safer option, as well as ensuring all fire and smoke alarms are in good working order.
As well as this, people should consider switching their gas hobs and appliances to electric in order to minimise the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
We strongly encourage the use of carbon monoxide alarms, to provide extra reassurance and protection against the above, especially during the winter months when the heating is used more frequently.
Keep important items in easy to reach places
Phones, medication, panic alarms and water should all be kept in places that are easy to reach should they need to access them in a hurry.
Being able to contact a family member, care provider or emergency services in the event of an incident is perhaps the most important thing to consider.
This, along with keeping medication, food and water in places that are easy to reach and access helps ensure those that are vulnerable are able to keep hydrated and nourished when alone.
The ultimate checklist for home safety:
- Move household items to an easy-to-reach level
- Move leads, cables and any trip hazards
- Secure any loose rugs and mats, or replace with carpets
- Removal of any clutter
- Cover sharp edges and furniture in the event of a fall
- Wear a personal alarm or panic button
- Keep a phone or form of communication to hand
- Put all emergency contacts on speed dial
- Consider toilet, shower, chair or bed adjustments and mobility aids
- Consider the use of handrails or stairlifts
- Electric hob and appliances instead of gas
- Anti slip mats in the bath, shower as well as by the doors and entrances to the home
Everybody should – and can – live an independent lifestyle in a safe and comfortable environment, a few adjustments might just need to be made beforehand. If you’re unsure where to start, then consider enlisting the help and support of a professional care provider.
For more information or for support on the services available at Radis Community Care, please visit www.radis.co.uk/services.
