Staying Safe at Home: 11 Top Tips for Older People

Introduction

If there's one place we should feel relaxed and comfortable, it's in our own homes. Unfortunately, as we get older, safety at home isn't always guaranteed. Changes to our mobility, vision, balance, or memory can make staying safe at home a little trickier than it used to be. Despite these challenges, there are a few simple things older people can do to stay safe, comfortable, and happy at home. Here are our top home safety tips for older people. By following this guidance, you can create a safer home environment, allowing you to carry on living independently in the home you love.

1. Preventing Falls at Home

Falls are perhaps the biggest risk that older people face in the home. In fact, according to the NHS, one in three people over the age of 65 will have a fall at home each year. Therefore, preventing falls is essential when it comes to home safety for elderly people.

Statistics show that, in the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury-related deaths in people over the age of 75.

Here are some useful fall-prevention tips for older people. Don't rush – falls often happen when people hurry to answer the phone. If you're worried about missing a call, you'll move faster than you normally would, so instead of rushing, get a cordless phone you can keep nearby, or let the call go to voicemail and ring back. Wear non-slip footwear, especially on hard surfaces like lino, tiles, or wooden flooring; if you don't want to wear shoes inside, invest in a good pair of slippers or house shoes with sturdy soles and a good grip. Make sure your floors are well lit, including night lights if needed, and clear of obstacles such as rugs and shoes left on the floor – you can tape rugs down to stop them moving, and put shoes away in a cupboard or rack as soon as you take them off. If you have stairs, use the banister when climbing or descending; if you only have a banister on one side, we'd recommend installing another so you can hold on with both hands, or consider a stairlift if you're struggling with the stairs in general. If you use a walking stick or frame, use it at all times rather than relying on furniture for balance, since it can give way or you can lose your grip. Try to stay active, as regular exercise helps you maintain your fitness, balance, and coordination – a gentle walk can have a huge effect on your overall health and wellbeing, and you can even exercise while sitting down. Finally, if you think you might be at risk of a fall or have recently had one, speak to your GP, who may be able to recommend exercises to improve your strength and balance or refer you for tests if necessary.

It's also important to realise that not all falls can be prevented. Accidents can happen no matter how prepared you are, so you should always have a system in place. The best solution for this is to use a personal alarm.

2. Personal Alarms

When it comes to staying safe at home, personal alarms are perhaps the most helpful tool you can use. A personal alarm allows you to call for help in an emergency. There are a few different kinds of alarm, but for all of them, whenever someone needs assistance, they press the button on their device to raise the alarm. Once activated, the button sends a signal to a 24-hour Response Team, who will respond by contacting nominated friends, family, neighbours, or carers to come and assist the user. If it is a medical emergency, the Response Team will also contact the emergency services.

A personal alarm system is helpful in so many different situations, including a sudden health problem such as chest pain or a seizure, concerns about a potential intruder or unwanted visitor, detecting a fire or flood, or suffering a fall and needing assistance to get back up. In these situations, a personal alarm makes sure that an older person can get the help they need when they need it. Personal alarms save lives and support independent living, providing peace of mind to older people and their loved ones alike. Opting for a personal alarm with fall detection provides additional peace of mind, as it can send an automatic alert after a hard fall.

3. Fire Safety

Older people are more vulnerable to house fires than younger people. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, older people are generally less likely to keep up with household jobs like testing a smoke detector regularly or replacing its batteries – these jobs might seem small, but they are an essential part of safety at home. Secondly, older people can find it more difficult to detect a fire when it happens, partly because they tend to have more sensory impairments than younger people. Certain medications can also affect your ability to detect fire, and mobility issues can add to the danger if a fire ever does occur.

Here are some fire prevention tips to help older people stay safe at home: look out for damaged cords on electrical appliances, don't plug an extension lead into another extension lead as this can overload the socket and cause an electrical fire, don't leave lit candles unattended, avoid smoking indoors and make sure cigarettes are stubbed out completely (or try quitting altogether), avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking, and install a smoke detector and test it at least once a month, since smoke detectors are the most effective way to protect yourself from fire.

If you ever detect a fire in your home, don't attempt to put it out yourself. Call 999 immediately and leave your house as quickly as possible. If you can't get to your phone, activate your personal alarm if you have one. Don't go back for belongings or valuables; you are the most valuable thing in your home.

4. Bathroom Safety

The smallest room can present some of the biggest hazards for older people. The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and water can increase the risk of falls and injuries. On average, we use the bathroom seven times a day, so with so many trips to and from the bathroom, it's important to make things as safe as possible.

If you have a shower over your bath, place a rubber mat in the bathtub to prevent slips. Install grab rails in your bathroom, as grab rails by the toilet, shower, and bath can help you keep your balance on slippery surfaces. If you struggle with balance, consider investing in a shower seat, a great alternative to standing in the shower that minimises the risk of slips. If you have a personal alarm, make sure the pendant button is water-resistant, so that by keeping it on in the bath or shower, you'll be able to call for help quickly if you need it. All Careline365 alarm systems include a water-resistant pendant for safe use in the bathroom, so you'll be protected in every room of the house.

5. Electronics

Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about safety at home without addressing electronics. Unfortunately, many accidents involving electricity can prove fatal, so it is absolutely vital to make your home as safe as can be. Ensure that electric cords are in good condition, with no fraying cables or cracks in the casing. Inspect your sockets regularly – there should be no visible damage and they shouldn't make any noise. Keep all electrical appliances far away from water to prevent electric shocks, and turn off or unplug any small appliances when you leave the house. Be careful not to overload extension leads, make sure you know the maximum current rating for the lead, and don't daisy-chain extension leads together.

If you have any worries about the electrics in your house, we recommend contacting an electrician to come and do a safety check. This way, you can address any potential hazards before they become too dangerous. Being proactive is key to ensuring safety at home. Bear in mind that electrical appliances can get hot, so keep them away from anything flammable such as aerosols and curtains.

6. Kitchen Hazards

Lots of us enjoy cooking as a relaxing pastime, but the kitchen has its own set of risks to consider. Burns, slips, and injuries are all too common in the kitchen, particularly for older people. You can minimise your risk of injury in the kitchen by wearing appropriate clothing, since overly baggy clothes and loose-flowing sleeves can be a fire risk. Always wear sensible shoes with sturdy soles and good grip, and avoid open-toed shoes, as it can be very easy to drop a knife during food preparation. Stir away from your body to avoid burns and splashes when cooking on the stove. Staying safe at home also means keeping things clean, dealing with spillages promptly to prevent slips, and wiping down surfaces to kill bacteria. Always use oven gloves when removing hot things from the oven or microwave, as a tea towel may not be thick enough and may affect your grip. Keep your knives sharp, since a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, and always slice away from your body, going slowly until you're confident. Finally, it's a good idea to keep a small first aid kit in the kitchen, fully stocked with scissors, plasters, gauze, and antiseptic.

7. Staircases

Getting up and down the stairs can be difficult as we get older. You might lose your breath more quickly than you used to, or feel a little unsteady on your feet. If you have asthma or joint problems due to arthritis or osteoporosis, you may want to consider a stairlift, which allows you to get up and down the stairs safely and comfortably, without worrying about tripping up or running out of breath. By eliminating the risk of staircase accidents, staying safe at home becomes much easier. A stairlift is certainly a big investment, but there are grants available to help cover the costs, and you might even be eligible for a free stairlift through social services. If a stairlift isn't an option financially, other ways to support staircase safety include taking your time walking up and down the stairs, getting a relative or friend to help you, installing a downstairs toilet to minimise trips up and down the stairs, or considering downsizing and moving into a bungalow.

8. Hot and Cold Weather

Very hot and very cold weather can be equally dangerous for elderly people, even if you stay inside and away from the heat or frost. However, there are plenty of things you can do at home to remain cool during summer and warm during winter.

Heatwaves can cause dehydration, heat strokes, and overheating, and high temperatures are particularly dangerous for those living with heart or breathing problems. First of all, get out of the sun and into the comfort of your home. During peak sun times, between 11am and 3pm, shut your windows and pull down the blinds, only opening them once it's cooler, and keep your rooms cool with light-coloured curtains. Have cool baths or showers, splash your face with cool water if you feel too hot, or soak a sponge or washcloth in cool water and place it on the back of your neck – running cold water on your wrists can also help reduce body temperature. Drink cold drinks throughout the day, sticking to water and diluted juice, and avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol, and caffeine.

Cold weather can be lethal, so ensuring safety at home means keeping your home warm and comfortable. For lots of people, the cost of heating can be an issue, but help is available – everyone who receives a State Pension is eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, a tax-free payment to help cover your bills throughout winter. Wear warm clothing, as layers trap warm air effectively. At night, keep your socks on, wear warm pyjamas, and use a hot water bottle. Make sure your living room and bedroom are heated sufficiently, and keep curtains and doors closed to keep draughts away, using draught excluders as an affordable extra measure.

9. Medication

Age often brings with it some significant changes to our bodies. Make sure that you are visiting your GP regularly and taking the correct medication. Managing your medication is a crucially important part of staying safe at home and maintaining your independence as an older person. To avoid confusion, keep all medicines in their original containers with clear labels, or consider a pill organiser box if you're taking several different medications. Be aware of expiration dates and make sure any medication you're taking is still in date, and return any out-of-date or leftover medicines to the pharmacist for destruction. Make sure to store any chemical cleaning products separately from medicines.

Keep an up-to-date medication list and give a copy to your family. If you have a personal alarm, let the Response Team know about any medication you take, as this information can be useful in a medical emergency and the Response Team can pass it on to the emergency services. There are also apps available for your phone and tablet which can remind you when it's time to take your medication.

10. Protect Yourself Against Intruders

Crime is one of the biggest concerns for lots of older people. It's sometimes easy to feel vulnerable in your home, especially if you live by yourself. However, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Keep your valuable items out of view, and don't tempt potential criminals by advertising your desirable items. If you wish to leave a spare key for family members, purchase a secure keysafe, and never hide keys under doormats or plant pots, as these are often the first places checked by would-be thieves. Always remember to lock your doors and windows whenever you leave your home, and for extra peace of mind, consider installing motion-activated lights, security cameras, or a video doorbell.

If you ever feel frightened or suspect that somebody is trying to enter your home, call the police immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

11. Maintain Social Contacts

Our final tip is potentially the best advice you can get when it comes to staying safe at home. By keeping in touch with the people around you, you'll improve both your quality of life and your mental health. Loneliness can have major consequences on both physical and mental health, and feeling isolated can also make you feel more vulnerable at home. Try to meet up with family and friends regularly – you don't need lots of time or money, as even a quick walk will make a difference. Keep in touch the old-fashioned way by sending letters and photographs to those who live further away, and don't be afraid to give someone a ring for no other reason than to have a catch-up. Embrace new technology, using social media and video calls to stay in contact with loved ones near and far, and invest in a personal alarm, nominating the people you trust as your emergency contacts.

By maintaining a strong support network, you'll have peace of mind knowing you have people to call on if you need them.

More Help with Safety at Home

As you can see, there are lots of things to consider when it comes to staying safe at home. For anyone who wants to maintain their independence, we would highly recommend a Careline365 alarm. Our personal alarms mean you will always have somebody to call for help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information on our life-saving personal alarms, please don't hesitate to call us on 0800 101 3333. All our alarms are available with free next-day delivery.