Top 10 Essential Senior Home Safety Products That Provide Peace of Mind and Security

Maintaining a safe home becomes increasingly important with age. Ensuring a safe environment for your senior loved one decreases their risks of falls or accidents and gives the family peace of mind. Many senior home safety products are on the market today specifically designed to enhance their living space and foster more independence – and many of these senior home safety devices are more affordable than you might think. Serving Seniors has come up with a list of our top 10 senior home safety products – each chosen for their effectiveness and reliability. 

Here are the most highly recommended senior home safety items from an experienced senior caregiver perspective: 

1. A proper mobility device: If your senior loved one has any mobility restrictions, even just on their worst days, they should have some type of mobility device to use when needed. A large selection of mobility devices are available – from canes to power chairs. Where your loved one may fall on that spectrum will depend on their mobility level. Mobility device costs vary significantly. For help choosing the right mobility device, contact your loved one’s physician for a recommendation. 
2. Medical alert system: These invaluable devices hold the power to quite literally save a life. Especially for seniors who live alone or have mobility issues, a medical alert device provides reassurance for your loved one – and you. Medical alert devices usually require a monthly subscription fee. This fee ranges but is typically under $30. Knowing that help can be on the way with the click of a button, these devices are crucial for senior home safety. 
3. Grab bars and handrails: Installing grab bars or handrails for extra support when needed, especially in areas where assistance may be needed such as bathrooms and along stairs, can drastically reduce fall risks. Stability while navigating tricky surfaces is extremely important for seniors. Grab bars and handrails for senior home safety can vary significantly in cost depending on finishes, the length of the bar, and any additional features such as a silicone cover. Installation of these devices is typically quick and easy. 
4. Non-slip mats: Also crucial for bathroom safety are non-slip mats. These may be helpful in other potentially slippery areas of the house such as the kitchen. A good non-slip mat can provide significant traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Non-slip mats are a great addition to senior home safety for as little as a few dollars. 
5. Door and window alarms: There are a couple of reasons why door and window alarms may benefit your aging loved one. Maintaining home security against intruders is important for seniors who may not have the ability to get away or defend themselves in the event of a break-in. Additionally, if your loved one suffers from dementia, these alarms can alert their senior caregiver or whoever is residing with them if they attempt to leave. According to the Population Reference Bureau, around 10% of seniors over the age of 70 suffer from dementia and it is common for dementia patients to wander. 
6. Medication organizers or dispensers: Managing medications can become overwhelming for seniors, especially if cognitive decline has affected their ability to keep up with their medication schedule. Medication organizers help keep up with a preset medication schedule. This can be organized by their senior caregiver if necessary. While they may be the pricier option, automatic dispensers may make this even easier. 
7. Smart home security cameras: If your senior loved one is comfortable with home cameras, you may be able to use an app associated with their camera to check in on them. This can be especially helpful if they live alone in their home or in between senior caregiver shifts. As advancements in technology make these smart home camera systems more accessible, it is increasingly easier to find affordable options. 
8. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: While these life-saving devices should be present in every home, they are especially crucial for senior home safety. By sounding an alarm when smoke or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present, your senior loved one can be warned about a dangerous situation as soon as it arises, ideally providing enough time to call for help or escape. Some fire departments offer free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially for seniors.
9. LED strip lighting: Installing additional lighting, especially around the floor area of stairs, doorways, or other hazards, may help prevent trips and falls. Without installation, LED light strips can cost as little as a few dollars. 
10. Shower chair: Last but not least, a comfortable and waterproof chair for your senior loved one to relax while showering could prevent dangerous shower accidents. As one of the most slippery areas of the home, an ideal senior home safety shower would include non-slip mats, grab bars, and a shower chair. This inexpensive solution to bathroom falls can make your loved one much more comfortable – and so much safer. 

Many of these senior home safety items could potentially be lifesaving. The best time to make improvements to your senior loved one’s home is before it’s too late. 

How We Can Help 

For an even higher level of senior home safety, consider enlisting the assistance of an at-home senior care service. Our well-qualified senior caregivers at Serving Seniors Care can be of assistance for many levels of care, keeping your loved one safe and providing quality companionship.

Sources: 

1. https://www.medicalalertbuyersguide.org/best-medical-alert-systems/?campaign=1185071165&content=545808705275&keyword=medical%20alert%20cost&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuNGuBhAkEiwAGId4aiCssIa3K-ZCddWaXozMvBImfwT0unM0hVsvoCBhGA8CowYcxCVjLBoCXIoQAvD_BwE 
2. https://jukeboxhealth.com/blogs/news/smoke-detectors-for-older-adults#:~:text=In%20some%20cities%2C%20fire%20departments,fire%20department%20for%20more%20information. 
3. Image by Freepik