Safety for Seniors at Home

There are many things that seniors can do to keep themselves safe, whether they live at home or in a nursing home. Injuries are a common occurrence among older people, but the best way to prevent injury is to take steps that are specifically designed to reduce fall risks.

Falls are the number one cause of injuries and deaths in adults 65 years and over. These can lead to fractures, brain injury and a host of other problems.

Safety for Seniors at Home

In addition to the risk of falls, seniors’ homes can be a target for burglaries and robberies. This is particularly true if they choose to live alone.

Ensure that there is a good alarm system installed in the house and that it is working properly. Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that are easy to reach.





Make sure there is a fire escape plan in place and practice it at regular times. Also, make sure that there are telephone numbers for emergency services at the police, fire department and hospital handy.

Keep in mind that a cell phone can be helpful in an emergency situation. It is important that seniors have this on them and that they know how to use it.

A medical alert system is another option for seniors who may need to rely on someone else. This is especially important if a senior is at high risk for falling or has a history of medical concerns.