Essential Home Security Tips for Seniors

As people get older, they often choose to stay in their homes. Even if it means feeling a little lonely at times, it is, after all, familiar and comfortable. It is home. However, as they age and their movement and response time diminish, minor safety issues around the house might become more serious. As a result, a few small but essential home security tips for seniors can go a long way toward making a home a safe and comfortable place to live for seniors. Also, while each senior has unique problems and concerns, there are universal safeguards that everyone can take. And those are the things that we will discuss in this article. Therefore, keep reading to see how you can make your home or your loved one’s home a safer place for the elderly.

Prevent falling around the house.
Falls may happen to anybody, not just the elderly, and in any household. However, when elderly adults fall, they are more likely to get fractures and injuries. In addition, it is more likely for them to be alone when it happens. As a result, the first step in making a house safe for the elderly is to remove potential fall risks.

​First, you must identify areas where slips are possible. For instance, if you have throw rugs, they are an unanticipated hazard. They may provide some cushioning during a fall, but they're unstable, so tripping on the rug's edge might result in a fall. But, you can address this risk without compromising aesthetics. You can just tape the throw rugs to the floor or carpet. In addition, pay extra attention to thresholds and stairways. They are particularly susceptible places for falls. Install sturdy handrails and add textured no-slip strips or safety steps with treads.

When it comes to bathroom safety, make sure restrooms are accessible and safe by installing grab bars in bathtubs, showers, and next to toilets. Also, consider changing your classic bathtub or shower to a walk-in type. It is far more convenient and much safer. In addition, you can also set thermostat limits to minimize overheating or unexpected burns. And to reduce slippage risks, use rubber mats over other materials.

---

Pay extra attention in the bathroom and kitchen.
Hard surfaces and water are two things that both bathrooms and kitchens have in common. And if we already talked about what can be done in the bathroom to make it safer, we still have to talk about the kitchen.

There is always some danger, no matter what precautions we take, but a few simple but essential home security tips for seniors can significantly lessen the likelihood of harm. For instance, nonslip or textured surfaces on floors prevent them from becoming slick when wet. Also, if the elderly are in a wheelchair, install controls within reach as much as possible. The elderly shouldn’t have to reach across hot burners to adjust the temperature. In addition, make the necessary modifications to the cabinets. They should be accessible without the need for a step stool. Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets so they are comfortable to reach and there is no need for bending.

Remove fire hazards
In the event of a fire, an older person may not be able to respond as quickly or move as rapidly as is required to get out of the home. As a result, installing warning devices to reduce the danger of fire is essential. The first line of defense is a network of smoke detectors strategically placed in the kitchen, bedrooms, and near appliances. For these, you should replace the batteries twice a year and get them checked just as often. In addition, check all the home appliances regularly and consider having an electrician come over to check all the outlets, power supplies, and electrical cords. Checking all the light sources is also a good idea, just as installing additional ones if necessary. Over the sink, in chopping areas, near worktables, and in the laundry area are just some ideas.

Improve senior home security with a surveillance system.
Investing in a smart home security system can make a house safer and brings additional benefits for an older person. It allows residents to simply control lights and door locks and ensures that everything is locked and switched off without the need to move. Doorbell cameras can connect to smartphones and enable seniors to check to see who is at the door before opening it. You can also have a voice-activated assistant installed in case of an emergency. That way, dialing the number of police, ambulance, or a family member is much easier if the phone is out of reach. Raise security by adding windows and outdoor cameras with motion sensors so that the elderly can feel safe from possible break-ins.

At the same time, you should consult with different security companies to choose the security system that fits your needs. Also, with security experts working for you, you will have permanent maintenance and monitoring. They will be there for you in the fastest time possible by only pressing a button. Or, if they have specific instructions, they can alert family members of the emergency.

Prepare a list of emergency numbers.
Many of us now keep all of our phone numbers on our phones, making it difficult to recall them in an emergency. Furthermore, details can fly out of your mind when you are under stress or in danger. Not to mention that the elderly can become forgetful and have difficulty searching through a phonebook or finding a misplaced phone. As a result, posting a list of important phone numbers in a visible location is essential. It should contain the numbers of family members, friends, or neighbors that can call in an emergency. Also, don’t forget to add the health care provider’s office number, poison control number, and the essential 911.

Final words
Many older folks find it more comfortable to age at home than in an assisted living center. However, once they make that decision, it makes sense to take the required precautions to make the house as secure and pleasant as possible before the need arises. As a result, using these essential home security tips for seniors can allow the elderly to remain safely in their homes.