According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, over 600,000 elderly Americans are seen each year in hospital emergency rooms from accidents in their homes. You can help make your home or your parent’s much safer and often it doesn’t take a lot of cash to do so. Since falls are the number one cause of fatal injury for seniors, pulling up those throw rugs and removing any clutter from the floors will do a lot to keep your parents safe. Not all improvements are this easy but many are.

Experts have studied home safety and handy checklists are available on many websites. On the California Department of Aging website you can use the search words “home safety” to find a good list. But the place to really begin is talking to your parents and getting them on-board with the idea. Perhaps making it a family project with all family members involved will encourage your parents to accept help. Sit down with them and go over the checklist. Items include making sure that all curtains and drapes are a safe distance from heaters. Removing electrical cords from walkways are also on the list. While these sound like common sense suggestions, you might be surprised which changes you’ll have to make once you’ve looked through your parent’s home.

Lighting is a big issue with seniors who often suffer from vision loss. Purchasing motion sensitive night lights can really help. Seniors should not have to walk into a dark room to try to find a light switch. Having a reachable lamp near the bed will make it easier for seniors who might need to get up often during the night. And for entrances into the house, make sure all lights are working and adequate.

Falls in the bathroom are very common but a night light can make it much safer. Appliquéd non-skid decals can prevent slipping and the dreaded fall in both the bath and shower. Grab bars inside showers and bathtubs may take a little more doing but greatly increase your elder’s safety.

Information on home modifications such as grab bars and other great safety features can be seen at the Eskaton Demonstration Home in Roseville. Located in Lakemont’s Eskaton Village, the demonstration home is filled with safety features that help keep seniors safe. Tom Bors, president of the Northern California Division for Lakemont Homes said he’s heard from many seniors who were impressed with the demonstration homes’ safety features. “In fact, the reaction to the zero-threshold entries to the home have been overwhelmingly positive so moving forward, it will be standard at Eskaton Village Roseville,” said Bors. “Our patio homes at Eskaton Village Roseville and Eskaton Village Placerville already offer several other of the universal design (safety) features included in the demonstration home.”

The kitchen is another place where safety is often an issue. Moving items that are used often to lower shelves will keep a senior off a step stool. Checking that kitchen step stool for sturdiness is also good idea. Make sure all towels, curtains and aprons are located away from burners. You’ll also want to look at plugged in cords to make sure they’re in good condition.

Telephones can be lifelines for seniors but make sure your parents’ is in good working order and it’s an appropriate model. Having a volume control will enable your senior to hear it when it rings. The California Aging check list suggests adding a light that flashes when it rings for seniors with hearing loss. Your loved one may qualify for a free new phone through the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) that will accommodate their need. Emergency numbers should be posted near a phone in large print so elders won’t have to hunt for them during an emergency.

Seniors are especially sensitive to heat so turn down that water heater to 120 degrees or lower. Check out smoke detectors to make sure they’re working properly. There should be one in or near the bedroom where your elder sleeps. If your elder uses an electric blanket make sure it’s in good shape by checking it for exposed wiring.

Outside areas should not be overlooked when doing your inspection. Steps and walkways should be free from clutter, overgrown plantings and in good repair. For low income seniors, financial assistance may be available through Rebuilding Together Sacramento.org, which helps 180 homeowners a year with needed renovations. They also have a great checklist for improving safety in the home.

The gift of a safe home for your parents will have the added bonus of time spent together which is something everyone enjoys.

Links – The California Telephone Access Program - http://www.ucan.org/telecommunications/landline/free_products_and_services_for_the_impaired
The California Department of Aging Home Safety Checklist - http://www.aging.ca.gov/resources/home_housing/Home_Safety_Checklist.pdf
For help with elder home renovations – http://www.rebuildingtogethersacramento.org

Karen Everett Watson is a freelance writer and is working on a master’s degree in gerontology at Sacramento State.