More than 55% to 60% of all falls happen inside the home, and over 75% take place in or immediately around the house. Staying safely in your own home as you get older does not necessarily require knocking down walls, installing an elevator, or spending tens of thousands of dollars on renovations. Sometimes the most important problems are surprisingly ordinary: a loose rug beside the bed, a dim staircase, an extension cord across a walkway, or nowhere sturdy to hold on when stepping out of the shower. These are exactly the kinds of hazards a home safety check for seniors can uncover before they contribute to an injury or make everyday activities unnecessarily difficult. You should go through your home room by room, correcting immediate dangers first and periodically reevaluating safety as needs change. Here are a few simple home safety checks that can help you stay independent longer.
