The Most Dangerous Room In The Home For Seniors

Our houses should be our safe havens, but as we age we become more prone to accidents around the home. In fact a recent study found that each year there are more than 500,000 over 65’s who attend A&E as a result of an accident in the home.

It’s important then, that every effort is made to ensure our homes are as safe as possible for the elderly and those with accessibility issues.

This article takes a look at some of the most dangerous rooms in the home and suggests solutions for making them safer.

Bedroom Dangers

Whilst the bedroom might seem the safest space as it is usually filled with soft furnishings, it’s important to remain vigilant in mitigating potential risks that can arise.

Trip Hazards - Clothing

Relaxed lounge wear clothing that is poorly fitted, such as trousers that are too long or baggy can present a trip or snagging hazard, along with clothing that may have been discarded on the bedroom floor. If it is a challenge to bend down and retrieve objects from the floor, a simple ‘grabber’ tool can be very handy.

Falling Out of Bed

Older adults can struggle to manoeuvre out of bed or become disoriented when sitting up from a laying position, resulting in a fall. Adjustable beds are a great safety and comfort provider, assisting with transitioning from lying to sitting and easing the process of getting in and out of bed. If disorientation is a factor then guard rails can be added to some models for extra peace of mind.

Living Room

As we age, the living room becomes the hub of the house and tends to be where we spend most of the day as it usually serves as the main entertainment hub. They do pose some unique risks too however.

Trip Hazards - Carpets & Rugs

Reduced muscle strength and balance as we age means we are less able to react to uneven surfaces or posture changes. For this reason, it’s imperative that carpets and rugs are well fitted and not lifting at the corners or slipping easily. Where carpet does need attention, it is important to get a qualified fitter to remedy the situation. For rugs prone to slippage, try applying non-slip backers to the bottom of them.

Falling from Chairs

Getting up from a chair can cause lightheadedness so ensuring that the chair is at the right height with supportive armrests can help, as can the use of a rise and recline chair. These can aid the transition to standing, even for those with postural hypotension.

Hallway and Stairs

Hallways and stairs are high-use areas that must be well lit with switches at either end and in positions that are easy to reach. Hallways can be magnets for day to day clutter, which should be controlled and minimised. Handrails on both sides of the stairs should be securely fastened to the wall and regularly checked and maintained as they can easily become loose over time.

Slippery Floors

Slippery floors are the nemesis of older adults, so it’s important to avoid walking on newly washed floors. Hard hallway floors can become slippery when the weather outside is wet and the rain is walked through the house. Use a large doormat to remove moisture from shoes, a runner that takes up much of the hallway is a good option also. When coming in from the outside try having a pair of non-slip house shoes or slippers right by the door that can be changed into.

Steep Stairs

All stairs in the home should have handrails on both sides and be used consistently. No matter how confident you may feel, ensure that when using the stairs there is at least one hand in contact with the handrail at all times. If stairs are proving to be a real issue then a stair lift can also be a great solution.

Garden Dangers

Whilst an oasis of calm, and great place for therapeutic pottering, the garden can also pose risks that should be considered and mitigated wherever possible.

Uneven Ground

Navigating uneven ground can be a challenge for anyone, not to mention the elderly or those with an injury. Over time even the best laid paving stones and garden decking can become uneven with wear and tear, so ensure that this is well maintained by a professional on a regular basis, the same goes for loose tiles too.

Stone Steps

Outdoor stone steps can be tricky to navigate, especially in dim light. With this in mind you should consider adding lighting to the edges and providing support rails where you can. Rubberised treads can also be applied to stone steps to make them less slippery.

Long Driveways

Long driveways need to have a well maintained level surface to avoid trips and should be kept well lit and free from debris. In poor weather conditions you should treat outdoor walkways with sand or an ice melting product to increase traction, certainly around front door areas.

Kitchen Dangers

The kitchen is home to some of the most dangerous items in the home and should be well troubleshooted to minimise any dangers.

Sharp Objects

Slower reflexes, reduced dexterity and impaired pain perception can result in accidental cuts from sharp objects. It’s important that any cuts are cleaned and treated appropriately so a first aid kit is a good thing to have to hand in a kitchen. Blunt tipped knives are something else to consider as they have been proven to cause less damage should an accident occur.

Hot Equipment

Seniors can find it more challenging to react to hot objects quickly due to sensory impairment, diminishing physical strength, coordination, and reaction time. Remembering that surfaces are hot, or to switch things off can also be a challenge. Newer technology such as convection hobs can prove a good investment for safety purposes as they are designed to turn off when not in contact with pots and pans and do not retain heat. Standard advice such as use of oven gloves and keeping pan handles turned in can help as can devices such as kettle pouring cradles to avoid scalds.

High and Low Cupboards

The kitchen should be arranged in such a way that heavy items are stored on lower shelves to prevent over reaching or them falling from height. It is also wise to store items near where they are needed. Avoid use of high shelves which require stretching or use of a stool to reach. Soft close hinges should be used on drawers and cupboards to lessen the risk of trapping fingers too.

Bathroom Dangers

At the top of our list of most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors is the bathroom. With hot water, a high likelihood of wet flooring, the need to sit and stand or even lie down, there are a number of potential hazards that need to be thought through.

Hot Water

Hot water can be soothing, but too hot can be scalding. Limiting the temperature at which hot water comes out of taps at heating/boiler level is an important safety measure as elderly people sometimes suffer from decreased temperature sensitivity.

Limited Visibility

When hot water and steam are involved, visibility can be impaired, particularly where the older adult wears glasses. This can pose a danger of its own as it may be more difficult to see and navigate safely around a compact bathroom space without bumping into obstacles and avoiding slippery flooring. Keeping bathrooms well ventilated with open windows and efficient extractor fans can limit the time where steam impedes visibility.

Wet Flooring

Bathroom floors will always get wet, no matter how hard we try. To make the floor safer, use  non-slip mats on the floor. However, do make sure they themselves are fastened correctly without any turned up corners that could be a trip hazard.

Toilet Height

It might seem like a strange detail but the height at which a toilet seat is set can pose a problem for older adults. Too low and it can be difficult to get back up from, too high and it can be a danger to lower oneself down from. Whilst grab bars can be mounted by toilets, there are also accessibility aids which can be placed over the toilet to provide the right height perch and a greater level of stability.

Shower and Bath Access

A wet room provides the safest bathing solution for the elderly with level step-free access, a slip free floor and a shower seat or stool for support. Where this is not available, grab rails for getting in and out of the bath or shower should be installed and slip free matting used in and out.

As mobility becomes restricted it can be challenging to use the bath safely, however, installing a bath lift can work wonders, allowing those more vulnerable to still get the soothing benefits that a long soak can offer.

At Oak Tree Mobility, we understand the importance of home safety and maintaining independence at home. Our range of mobility equipment is designed to provide both comfort and confidence when navigating otherwise challenging tasks. From bath lifts and adjustable beds to rise and recline chairs, our expertly crafted products help create a safer living space whilst maintaining the homeowners sense of  style. If you’d appreciate advice on any of these products please give us a call on 0808 258 2635.