With aging comes adventure, wisdom, and some new challenges. You’ve had a lifetime filled with experiences, and now it’s time to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the comfort and security of home.

While your home is cozy and familiar, it can be a little tricky when it comes to safety. Let’s dive into some lively and practical tips to ensure you not only stay safe in your home, but own it with confidence and style!

Fall Prevention

Falls may sound like the punchline in a slapstick comedy, but for seniors, they’re no laughing matter. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of injury for those over 65. Don’t worry! You have the wisdom, and we have the tricks to make sure you stay on your feet.

Do you still have some stuff hanging around that you haven’t used in years? Maybe you have piles of magazines, some messy wires, or a decorative rug strewn across the floor. It’s all good until a corner sneaks up on you and catches your toes, and you’re toppled over!

Clutter is the enemy of balance. What to do? Look around. Ask yourself, "Do I really need that old coffee table in the hallway?" Simplify your living space and make sure your paths are clear and wide. Think of it like creating a runway for yourself -- flat, smooth, and accident-free.

Rugs make your home feel welcoming, but they're also the culprit for many trip and slip accidents. If you have area rugs or area rugs, make sure they have a non-slip backing. Or, consider ditching loose rugs altogether! Pro tip: You can also use double-sided tape to ensure the rugs don't move underfoot. Easy, right?

Light and Stairs

Ever get up in the middle of the night and feel like you're groping in a haunted house? Darkness is a big fall risk. The solution? Light up your life -- literally. Light up hallways, bathrooms, and any You probably have nightlights in every place you wander at night.

Motion sensor lights are also a lifesaver, turning on when you enter a room without you having to lift a finger. Make sure light switches are within easy reach and use bulbs that are bright enough to illuminate every corner, but not so bright that you can't open your eyes.

The lighting should be warm and comfortable, but also powerful enough to keep you safe. Stairs can feel like an uphill battle, but with just a few adjustments, they can be made safer. First, make sure the stairs are well-lit (remember the lighting tips!). Second, install sturdy handrails on both sides whenever possible.

Don't be shy about grabbing the handrails, they're there for a reason! Another trick is to use brightly colored tape or treads on the edges of the steps. This adds a visual cue and makes it easier to see. Where the previous step ends and the next step begins.

It's like drawing a safety line on your own personal racetrack - because let's be honest, taking the stairs can sometimes feel like a high-speed chase!

The Right Home Choices

Slippers are comfortable, but they can also be slippers! Wear shoes or slippers with good traction when moving around your home. Avoid shoes with smooth soles, as sliding on hard floors can be a real danger.

Think of your shoes as your home adventure gear - supportive, comfortable, and ready to grip the ground at all times! Is your chair sturdy? Is your bed easy to get in and out of? Consider the placement and stability of your furniture.

A wobbly chair, a low sofa, a bed that's too high or too low can turn a simple move into a dangerous game of Twister. Make sure all Furniture that is the right height for you and won’t wobble under pressure.

Look for furniture that is solid and ready to support your every move! We want to keep you safe from any uninvited surprises. While falls may be the most common cause of accidents at home, there’s more to consider. From fire hazards to slippery bathroom floors, you can learn about and make the ultimate home safety transformation.

Hidden Dangers in the Bathroom

The bathroom – a peaceful, relaxing place, is unfortunately also a dangerous area for slips and falls. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Grab bars are your best friend! Whether near the toilet, in the shower, or by the tub, these sturdy grab bars are your lifeline.

They give you a stable space to move around without worrying about falling. Place a non-slip mat inside and outside the shower. 

These non-slip mats create friction so you can stand tall even with wet feet without slipping. If you feel unsteady in the shower, there’s no shame in sitting down! Shower chairs make bathing comfortable and safe, and it feels like a spa.

Kitchen Safety

Who doesn’t love spending time in the kitchen? But with hot surfaces, sharp knives, and slippery floors, the kitchen can be a bit like a war zone. It’s important to keep your floors dry, and wet spots from water or oil spills are a hidden danger.

If something spills, mop it up right away. Keep heavy items where they belong! Don’t put heavy pans or bulky appliances on high shelves where you have to crane your neck to reach them.

Keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height so you don’t have to bend over, hunch over, or risk back strain. Remember that tip about shoes with good grip? The kitchen is another place where solid, stable shoes can make all the difference.

Fire prevention is key

No one wants to think about fires, but taking a few simple steps can prevent them from happening in the first place. We’re all about prevention here! Check that smoke detectors in every room are working properly.

Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms may be annoying when they beep, but they can save your life. Unplug small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and space heaters when they’re not in use.

Not only do they use up power, they can also cause fires. Never leave food unattended while it's cooking. A pot of soup can boil over in a flash, leading to disaster. If you have trouble remembering to turn off the stove, consider using a timer.

It's your personal reminder! Tangled cords, overloaded sockets, tangled extension cords - not only do these things make your home look like a tech jungle, they can also pose a serious tripping or fire hazard.

Keep cords neatly coiled together and tucked away against the wall. Don't overload your sockets. You may think your extension cords can handle any load, but plugging too many plugs into one socket can cause trouble.

Help is always around

No one wants to think about emergencies, but being prepared is one of the best ways to stay safe. Staying connected to others is key. Even if you prefer independence, having a way to call for help if something goes wrong is a must.

You may already have a phone with you, but make sure it's within your reach at all times, especially in key areas like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. If you use a mobile phone, charge it during the day and keep it close to you. Don't leave your phone in another room or in your purse.

If you have a landline, place them strategically around the house so you don’t have to rush or struggle to find one. In addition to 911, make sure you have a list of emergency contacts that are easily accessible. Put family, friends, and neighbors on your phone’s speed dial. It’s also wise to have a written list near your phone in case you need it.

Even if your memory is as sharp as ever, it’s good to have a safety net in case you’re panicking!