As children, most of us learned the saying “home sweet home”. Visualizing its meaning, we think of security and safety, being loved and cared for by our families, protected from the potentially harmful external environment. Yet as we age, it is important to identify potential hazards in the home and make our “sweet” home a “safe” home.
Normal aging often includes changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and strength (among other things). These changes may contribute to accidents and mishaps in our homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that falls in the home are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people 65 and older. It is predicted that 30 percent of people 65 and older will fall each year. In addition to falls, seniors are at risk for accidental poisonings, fires and other potentially fatal problems.
Every home should have a safety audit performed at least once a year. Audits can be done by homeowners and/or family and friends. There are many home safety checklists available via the web and/or through community agencies including Great Lakes Caring. These tools allow users to go through their homes from top to bottom, inside and out, to identify potential safety concerns. Knowledge is the first step in preventing future injuries.
Any safety audit must take into consideration the individual’s ability to be independent in their normal daily activities, for example, eating, bathing, dressing, walking, and taking medications and general activities such as socializing. Reviewing the audit yearly at the same time as an annual physical or other routine checkup will remind everyone to consider the potential changes and what may need to be done to maintain or support independence.
