Top 5 Signs Your Home Might Not Be Safe for Aging

 
“Home is where the heart is”. Home is not just a physical space, but a place of deep emotional significance, contributing to a strong sense of self and identify. The comfort and familiarity of home has an enormous influence on our emotional well-being and sense of identity at any age or stage of life, and especially as we age. Being able to remain in familiar surroundings allows us to maintain our daily routines and independence, social connections and a sense of control over our lives. This, in turn, can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, promoting our over-all well-being and quality of life.
 
Being able to remain living at home as we age – “aging in place” – does require careful consideration and planning. Many homes are not designed with aging in mind, and small hazards – something we might take for granted when we are young and fit and able – can become big risks as we age. Making sure our homes are set up to promote safety and support independence is an important step in enabling us to remain living at home as long as possible.
 
There are various things you can do to improve your safety, or the safety of loved ones, at home. If you get stuck or are unsure where to start, it can be helpful to engage professional advice from an occupational therapist, who is trained and experienced in identifying potential hazards or difficulties you might be experiencing when carrying out daily activities. The occupational therapist can then work with you to formulate solutions that are best designed to meet your individual needs.
 
Here are five signs it might be time for a home safety assessment by an occupational therapist:

1. Frequent “Near-Misses” or Trips
   If you find that you or a loved one keeps tripping over mats or stumbling on uneven surfaces or steps around the home but managing to regain your balance before falling, this should be a huge clue that it is time to seriously consider looking at your home safety. “Near-misses” should not be ignored, as the more frequently they occur, the higher your risk of falling.
    
2. Difficulty Getting On or Off the Toilet or Bed
   As we age, we can lose muscle strength a lot more quickly, which can result in difficulty standing up from furniture, like your bed or a chair, or getting up from the toilet. The lower the surface, the harder our muscles must work for us to sit down or stand up. If this is the case, installing a grab rail or using equipment can make a big difference. There are many different equipment options available, and it can be hard to know which will work best. An occupational therapist has knowledge and training to help narrow down the options and identify the most suitable option for you.
    
3. Avoiding Certain Rooms or Tasks
   Sometimes when a task becomes too difficult or you feel unsafe completing a task, there can be a tendency to avoid doing these tasks. If you notice that a loved one has stopped using the shower, or is no longer cooking meals, this could be a strong indicator that the home environment is no longer supportive or safe. With some minor modifications or the appropriate item of equipment, these daily activities can be made easier and safer to manage.
    
4. Using Furniture for Support While Walking
   Holding onto walls or “furniture surfing” when moving throughout the home can often mean that the person doesn’t feel steady on their feet and is compensating for this lack of balance. Reduced balance and relying on furniture or items that might not be sturdy or secured in place can increase your risk of falling. Using appropriate mobility aids is vitally important in keeping you safe and mobile, while reducing your risk of falls. An occupational therapist can assist in finding the most appropriate mobility aid for you, to keep you mobile – safely – for longer.
    
5. Cluttered Pathways or Poor Lighting
   Poor lighting and clutter within the home can also increase your chances of slipping, tripping, or falling. This is one of the simplest things to address and can greatly reduce your risk of falls or accidents at home. Ensuring adequate lighting throughout the house is an easy way to increase your safety also, particularly in hallways where there might not be a lot of natural light, and in the bathroom if you need to get up during the night.

How an Occupational Therapist Can Help

An occupational therapist can provide a comprehensive assessment of your home environment and daily routines to recommend practical and personalised solutions to your individual situation. These recommendations might include minor or major home modifications, assistive technology or equipment, or education around simplification or modification of a task to increase your safety, conserve your energy, and ultimately support your independence in everyday life. The occupational therapist can also provide advice regarding funding schemes available in your particular state and assist in the application process. 

With the right advice, aging in place can be both safe and empowering.

If you’re unsure whether your home is aging-friendly, reach out to a local occupational therapist for an in-home safety assessment. It could make all the difference.