Home safety tips for seniors

Life comes full circle — and those who once cared for us may need our care in return. Taking care of an older loved one who lives independently or is struggling to manage a home requires patience and understanding. Whether it's a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or another loved one, it's important to help them face life’s challenges with dignity.

Home safety for seniors is essential. Anyone who is or will soon be responsible for taking care of an older adult should have a home safety plan. Follow this home safety checklist for seniors​ to help avoid accidents and plan for the unexpected.

Keep emergency numbers close by

Older adults need to know who they can contact if something goes wrong. Keeping emergency numbers on a list in a common area like the kitchen or living room (or preferably both!) is a good start. The list of numbers should include:

• 911 for emergencies

• Primary caretaker

• Doctors and other healthcare providers

• Poison control

• Trusted neighbors

• Nearby family

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If they use a landline, make sure the emergency number list is securely posted next to the phone. If they don't have a cell phone, it may be a good idea to get them one. Smartphones can provide a gentle way to check in from a distance and improve emergency response times, easing caregivers' worries. Greenlight's money and safety app gives your family location sharing, SOS alerts, crash detection, and more.

Safety-proofing checklist for different parts of the home

Household safety becomes a bigger priority for senior loved ones. Homes can become hazards, so prioritize safety by evaluating specific areas.

Entryways

It's easy for someone to slip when entering or leaving a home, but this is especially true for older adults. Here are some improvements to consider:

• Keep walkways clear of clutter.

• Install grab bars and accessibility ramps.

• Install motion-sensor lighting.

• Install carpeting or grip mats to prevent moisture buildup.

Living room

Naturally, older adults often find peace reading or watching TV in the living room. These home safety improvements can ensure that leisure time can be enjoyed without worrying:

• Use nonslip area rugs.

• Use furniture with rounded corners.

• Safely arrange electrical cords out of walking areas.

• Ensure there’s enough room to walk between furniture.

Stairways

Stairs often become a hazard for older adults. Not only are they difficult to get up, but they can also be tripping or falling hazards. While many older adults opt to downsize into single-story homes, if they do use stairs, here are some safety tips:

• Install nonslip treads on each step.

• Install bright lighting in the stairwell.

• Install stairlifts for multistory homes.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are slippery places for anybody, and they can be one of the most dangerous places in the home for older adults. While there are simple home safety steps, you may have to invest in more comprehensive home safety improvements. Some enhancements for the bathroom include:

• Install nonslip mats on bathroom floors and in the bathtub.

• Install grab bars near the tub to facilitate entry and exit.

• Install walk-in tubs or shower seats if necessary.

• Keep toiletries easily accessible on shelves rather than behind closed doors.

Bedrooms

Getting in and out of bed gets harder for many older adults. Small modifications can go a long way to make their bedroom safe and comfortable, including:

• Install nightlights and motion-sensor lights.

• Keep the room clutter-free with clear walking paths.

• Keep emergency numbers close to the bed.

• Install bed rails or keep a step stool near the bed.

• Purchase a remote medical bed to help with getting up in the morning.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of many homes, so it's important to keep it safe for your loved ones. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve the kitchen's safety:

• Use nonslip mats in the kitchen.

• Check that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working.

• Organize and clean up to make sure that sharp and breakable objects are safely stored.

Car

If your senior loved one still drives, you’ll want to make sure their car is set up to be as safe as possible, too. Newer cars come with safety features that help to reduce the risk of accidents, such as: 

• Automatic emergency breaking system

• Parking assist with rear-view camera display

• Blind spot monitoring

• Lane keeping assist

• Forward collision warning 

How to pay for safety modifications

Home safety for seniors can be expensive, and you'll need to find ways to finance their care. If you have to make physical alterations to a home, there are a few financing options:

• Home improvement grants: The federal government and several states offer home repair and improvement assistance for qualified individuals. Qualification requirements typically vary based on age, income, and demographics like veterans or rural residents.

• Material loans: Also known as construction loans, material loans help you get funds for building materials up front, and pay it back over time. This is a great resource for handy people who want to save on labor and installation costs by DIYing home safety improvements.

• Medicare: Depending on their Medicare coverage, some older adults may qualify for discounts or full coverage for certain durable medical equipment (such as hospital beds or patient lifts) prescribed by a doctor. Review their plan and speak to a Medicare representative to see what might be covered.

Final thoughts

Like any season of life, growing older comes with both gifts and challenges. If you are a caregiver, you should prioritize home safety for senior loved ones — not just for their personal well-being but also for your peace of mind. Simple improvements can help older adults avoid preventable accidents.

For more personalized advice, consult with safety professionals or caregivers who can provide specific recommendations for your family. 

To learn more about elder care and discover other resources for families, visit Greenlight's Learning Center.