Creating a Safe And Secure Environment for Senior Living

More and more older Australians are embracing the opportunity to grow older in the comfort of their own homes, all while accessing the support services they need. However, whether you’re accessing home care or not, one thing that is important for all older Australians, especially as you continue to age, is a safe and secure living environment. 

To help, we’ve put together the below blog, including 10 ways you or your loved one can make sure you are surrounding yourselves with the perfect home to age in place.

1. Ensure effective light and visibility

Proper lighting has a big role to play in helping you or your loved one prevent accidents before they happen, as well as generally ensuring the overall safety of your home. It’s essential you try to keep areas well-lit to reduce the risk of falls, slips and other mishaps. Check lights regularly for any bulbs that need replacing and consider the installation of motion sensor or night lights in areas you find yourself routinely accessing at night. 

2. Flooring and trip prevention

It’s amazing how many injuries, including serious ones, that are the result of slips or low-falls. And so often the culprit is inadequate, old or damaged flooring. Keep an eye on your floor and if you see any risks, consider replacing (or updating) with non-slip options like textured tiles, linoleum, or low-pile carpets. These materials provide traction and reduce the likelihood of slips, particularly in areas prone to moisture or spills. Additionally, secure rugs or mats with anti-slip pads or double-sided tape to prevent them from moving or bunching up when trodden on.

3. Make bathroom modifications

Whether it’s confined spaces or slippery surfaces, the bathroom so often presents unique challenges for older people. That’s why it’s so important that you or your loved one’s bathroom caters to the specific needs of those who use it. For example, grab bars installed near the shower or the toilet is a straightforward way to proactively ensure safety, as they help you sit down, stand up or manoeuvre around. You may also want to consider a raised toilet seat or hand-held shower head to make your daily hygiene routines more manageable.

4. Keep the kitchen safe

We all end up spending so much time in the kitchen, so it’s imperative it stays safe and free of avoidable hazards. One great way to promote safety and convenience is to organise your kitchen in a way that minimises the need for reaching, bending or stretching. You can do this by putting frequently used items in easily accessible places. Additionally, place bulky or heavy items in cupboards or shelves at waist-level (an easy step to make sure you’re not straining or lifting improperly!)

5. Consider home security systems

Every year home security systems are becoming more popular and easily accessible. Many consider it a way to ensure peace of mind, and for older people, it can take on extra significance. Do some research into what is on offer that may suit you or your loved one’s needs. For example, some people who live alone may find the wearable (or easily accessible) emergency devices (often in the form of pendants or wristbands or via nearby buttons) an extremely easy way to call for help and support in the event of a medical episode or a fall.

6. Make use of mobility aids

Depending on you or your loved one’s physical needs and requirements, the proper mobility aids are paramount to ensure safety at home. For example, a walking cane offers stability during ambulation, while a rollator provides a seat for resting and brakes for controlled movement. Wheelchairs, whether manual or electric, also offer a higher level of mobility for some older Australians with significant limitations. See what is available that may suit you best.

7. Ensure you have an emergency plan

Proper planning is just as important as the items in and around your home. Spend some time with a loved one or friend to put together detailed instructions and contact information for others – whether it be family members, neighbours or healthcare providers. Ensure that everyone involved is aware of the plan, and you may also want to keep a copy in an easily accessible location, such as on the fridge or near the phone for others to easily access in times of need.

8. De-clutter and keep pathways clear

This one speaks for itself! Spend some time decluttering your room and arranging furniture in a way that keeps pathways clear for easy movement around your home. Another step you may want to consider is anchoring heavy furniture to the wall to prevent trips, especially if you have limited mobility or are at a high falls risk.

10. Enable access to outlets and appliances

It’s worth thinking about the appliances you use regularly around your home, to see if they could be improved to help support usability (which in turn helps limit risks). For example, think about installing power outlets at waist height to eliminate the need for bending down and straining your back and knees. In addition, opt for appliances with user-friendly controls. Many also have automatic shut-off features, which provide an added layer of safety by preventing potential mishaps. 

11. Conduct regular assessments

Lastly – it goes without saying that the level of safety you require at home will evolve with your own needs over time, and this is especially true as you enter older age. Try and conduct regular home assessments (once a year is a fantastic start) to determine potential hazards or areas requiring improvement so that your living environment remains optimised for you or your loved one’s wellbeing.  

During these assessments, think about things such as changes in mobility, vision, or health conditions that might impact you or your loved one’s ability to navigate around the home safely. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety measures, such as grab bars and handrails, and make any necessary adjustments.  

By remaining proactive in conducting regular home assessments, you demonstrate a dedication to maintaining a secure living environment that aligns with your evolving needs. Additionally, these assessments provide an opportunity to collaborate with caregivers, family members, or home care professionals, who can contribute valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise. 

We’re here to support you

At Respect, we’re passionate about supporting older Australians to ensure the next phase of their lives are filled with purpose and possibilities.  

So whether it’s through our network or aged care homes or our home care support options, we are here for you and your family whenever you need us. Your future should shine with meaning, comfort and conveniences — and with our support, you’re backed by over a century of care and consideration for the way you want to live. 

If you’re looking for more information about how to access a Home Care Package or get started with home care support, including the available opportunities and our range of services, start with downloading our free digital brochure. 

Got questions or like to receive more support? Please reach us via our contact page or call us on 1300 144 144.