Home Care Safety Tips for Every Room

Your aging family members understandably want to keep their independence as much as possible. While you value their safety and want to make changes, you can do so without limiting their freedom.

When you’re caring for a loved one with mobility or memory struggles at home, there are a few easy ways to make each room less hazardous. Check out our home care safety tips!

Bathroom

While the bathroom is a common place for slips and falls, there are simple ways to make the space safer and more comfortable for loved ones with impaired memory or mobility:

• Mark the hot water knob on the sink with red nail polish or marker to prevent accidental burning.
• If possible, put a telephone near the toilet in the event of an emergency.
• Remove the lock on the bathroom door to allow easy access in case of a slip and fall.
• Get rid of all glass items in the bathroom to prevent cuts from any shattering.
• Keep extra rolls of toilet paper within easy reach.
• Clean the tub regularly to avoid slippery soap, mold, or mildew from building up.
• Install designated support bars for balance, NOT towel racks, glass doors, or soap dishes.
• If your loved one’s shower or tub is white, get a colorful non-slip mat to help them judge distance.

Bedrooms

An easily accessible bedroom is a necessary part of keeping a routine. Ensuring your loved one can get in and out of bed, move without trouble, and prepare to handle an emergency is easy with a few simple adjustments:

• Keep a flashlight by the bedside table for a power outage or other situation where vision is limited.
• Have a sturdy chair or table near the bed for support when getting up and down.
• Move the bed against a wall to minimize chances of falling out of bed.
• Remind loved ones that dressing while lying down is okay.
• If a family member is weaker on one side, encourage them to dress the weaker side first.
• Purchase an inexpensive room monitor to make alerting you easier.
• Get rid of clutter, clothing, and towels on the floor.

Kitchen

Keeping the kitchen safe for aging family members is an important part of helping them retain their independence. Here are a few ways to reduce risk:

• Keep appliances as clean as possible to prevent a fire hazard, including the toaster, microwave, and stove top.
• Add adhesive, raised dots to common settings on the microwave and stove or oven.
• Remind loved ones to avoid handling electrical equipment with wet hands.
• Place commonly used items at a convenient level within reach—somewhere between the shoulders and the knees.
• Suggest that family members use non-glass dishware, or at least get rid of any cracked or chipped items.
• Unplug electrical appliances and encourage your loved one to only plug them in when they’re in use.

Living Room

Your family members should feel safe and comfortable at home, especially in shared spaces. There are a few ways to make the living room more accessible:

• Agree on a furniture arrangement that helps your loved one navigate the living room. Once it’s decided, don’t make changes.
• Keep floors free of clutter.
• Be sure the living room and other frequently navigated areas are well lit, possibly adding automatic night lights activated when it gets dark.
• Make sure furniture is sturdy in case your loved one needs to lean on it for balance.

By taking these easy steps, you can keep your aging loved ones safe without limiting their independence. If they still need transportation assistance or even a little help around the house, an expert can assist them so you can handle other responsibilities.

Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide services such as transportation, personal care, and companionship to your loved ones so they can remain safely at home and maintain as much independence as possible. For more information, please visit our website or like us on Facebook.