• Home
  • Media Kit
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Contact
  • enCompass Media

Mommy Kat and Kids

Canadian Mom Blogger - Product Reviews, Travel, Food and Parenting

  • Articles
    • Family
    • Humour
    • Crafts
    • Money
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Self-Esteem
    • Health
  • Blogging
    • Events
    • Opportunities
    • Wednesday WordPress
  • Reviews & Giveaways
    • Giveaway
    • Reviews
    • Giveaways Ending Soon
    • Coupon Code
    • Winners
  • Features
    • Anna’s Budget Tips
    • Wordless Wednesday
    • Friday Giveaway Linky
    • Sunday Quotes
  • Travel
    • Canada
    • USA
    • International
    • Events
  • Recipes
    • Lunch and Snacks
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts and Treats
    • Beverages
    • Pickles and Preserves
  • The $5000 Wedding
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
You are here: Home / Articles / Help Ensure a House is Safe for Seniors in 3 Simple Steps #LSSS

Help Ensure a House is Safe for Seniors in 3 Simple Steps #LSSS

April 15, 2016 by Kathryn 68 Comments

One of the hardest moments my grandmother had before passing away was admitting that she finally couldn’t live alone in her home anymore. She had lived in the same house since first moving to Brooks, Alberta. And even though she was in her mid-nineties and my grandfather had passed away years ago, she had remained in that house ever since and had no desire to leave it. She was lucky to have a boarder living with her in later years that helped her a great deal and a home care nurse that visited a few times a week to assist her with simple tasks, but we still worried about her living alone.

grandma and child

With so many members of the population reaching twilight years, senior safety is an important topic right now. And if your parents or grandparents are living unassisted, taking a few simple steps to ensure the house is safe just makes sense! Get started with these three steps:

Be Prepared for Fire

Remembering to check the batteries in a smoke alarm is something that everyone occasionally forgets. To ensure that smoke alarms in your family member’s home are operational, make a habit of changing the batteries and checking the alarm at the same time you check your own. Or, for even more peace of mind, consider replacing traditional alarms with ones that are hard-wired into the house’s electrical system so dead batteries aren’t a concern. And make sure the occupants have a sensible escape plan! Climbing down a rope ladder from a second story window might make sense for young adults, but can be far too hazardous an option for seniors.

Protect Against Theft

Hiding a key outside in case it’s forgotten is a common-sense way to ensure that Mom or Dad is never locked out in an emergency. But having that key exposed for anyone to find can be a danger when it comes to home security. The Master Lock 5422D Key Safe is the perfect compromise. Lock it on the property, store a spare key inside and then open it with a numerical combination if you ever need the key. It will provide great peace of mind knowing that your loved one can’t be locked out of the house, but that the spare key can’t be stolen or used by anyone else. For inside the house, secure valuables and essential papers in the SentrySafe Combination Fire Safe. It protects against fire, flood and theft so even in the event of a break-in, important items will be safe. And with the option of opening the safe either with a numerical combination or with two keys, seniors can pick the best option for them.

Plan for Injury Prevention

A simple fall is usually no big deal for a healthy young adult, but it can be devastating to a senior. If mobility is starting to become an issue for your parents or grandparents, a few simple changes in the house can make a big difference. Consider installing grab bars in bathrooms or stairwells and adding grips to slippery surfaces and smooth floors. Removing loose throw rugs is another simple way to help minimize falls. And double-check to make sure essential items are within reach rather than stored on high shelves. A little reorganizing can be a quick and easy way to make a home safer for an older resident.

sentrysafe combination fire safe

With my dad in his eighties and living on a remote acreage in rural Saskatchewan, I know firsthand how worrisome it can be to have an elderly parent living alone. In my dad’s case, I’m lucky that he still lives with his wife so he won’t be helpless in the event of an emergency. And with a few simple additions to the house and a little work organizing for maximum mobility benefits, I can rest easy knowing that even though he lives in a remote area on his own, he’s ready for anything!

mommy kat and kids rp2

Filed Under: Articles, Family Tagged With: alarm safe, fire, fire protection, injury, injury protection, key safe, live, live secure, live secure safety squad, lock, lsss, master, master lock, master lock lsss, safe, safe senior home, safety, safety squad, secure, senior home, senior living, senior safety, sentry safe, sentrysafe, squad, theft, theft protection

Comments

  1. Soozle says

    April 15, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    I work in hospital on a orthopedic surgical ward so we see a lot of seniors coming in with fractures – a lot can easily be prevented by simple things like (as you mentioned) removing throw rugs and putting night lights in the halls. Most bounce back from their injuries, but some end up losing their independence permanently – prevention is so important!

    Reply
  2. Cheryl says

    April 18, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Great tips! So important

    Reply
  3. Guppy says

    April 18, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Good advice! Even though I’m not yet a senior, I am quickly gaining appreciation for mobility/injury prevention steps for myself around the home.

    Reply
  4. Diana Powell says

    April 18, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    These are very good tips . Your life changes when you are a caring for an elderly relative.

    Reply
  5. Cheryl says

    April 18, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    We have a strong box but I keep saying we have to invest in a good safe before it is too late!! Thanks for the reminder!!

    Reply
  6. Linda Klages says

    April 18, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    We baby boomers are soon going to be all in that age group………………..

    Reply
  7. joanne darell says

    April 18, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    Great tips for when you in your home as long as possible.

    Reply
  8. Carole Dube says

    April 18, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    Great tip, not only for senior but everyone should fallow these tips!

    Reply
  9. Lisa Paquette says

    April 18, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    This a really good article – definitely things I will have to consider as my parents age!

    Reply
  10. Lynda Cook says

    April 18, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    These are all great tips!! I love the lock boxes for the house keys!!

    Reply
  11. Darrah Bailey says

    April 18, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Lock boxes are a great idea, We just had to deal with this similar situation

    Reply
  12. nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham) says

    April 19, 2016 at 4:45 am

    These are good tips. I’ll definitely keep them in mind.

    Reply
  13. Gizele says

    April 19, 2016 at 5:44 am

    Great tips. We will all be seniors eventually.

    Reply
  14. Julie says

    April 19, 2016 at 7:01 am

    Preventative measures are key! I worked for many years with seniors and these are all great tips!

    Reply
  15. Tiesha says

    April 19, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Thanks for the important and useful advice!

    Reply
  16. angela marriott says

    April 19, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Very good tips . Thanks

    Reply
  17. Rosanne Robinson says

    April 19, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Great ideas, thanks very much!

    Reply
  18. Luisa says

    April 19, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Very good tips! Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  19. Treen Goodwin says

    April 19, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Great tips , thanks for sharing these important tips ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  20. jan says

    April 19, 2016 at 11:11 am

    It is sad that we don’t interact with neighbours as much today. Such a great built in safe guard for many.

    Reply
  21. kristen visser says

    April 19, 2016 at 11:33 am

    these are definitely great tips! my granddaughter are reaching the point in their lives where they need someone caring for them so this is great to know for future

    Reply
  22. Butter Spice says

    April 19, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Good common sense tips for pretty much everyone. Many falls are preventable and building/modifying houses and apartments with safety ideas in mind and disability considerations is a great idea to future proof the dwelling and make it accessible.

    Reply
  23. kathy downey says

    April 19, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    These are common sense tips we all need to follow even for our own safety.I am not a senior(yet) but i do have a disability and these would all be useful.

    Reply
  24. DORIS HUMBER says

    April 19, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    I love these tips!
    Many Elderly people are vulnerable, so it is imperative that families/friends help them to live safely in their homes.

    Reply
  25. Karla Sceviour says

    April 19, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    Great tips for anyone!!

    Reply
  26. Reinhard Doberstein says

    April 19, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    Good advice! Turned 65 this year and I am quickly gaining appreciation for mobility/injury prevention steps for myself around the home. Good to be prepared!

    Reply
  27. scott macmillan says

    April 19, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Fire is my biggest worry for my Mother.It takes only minutes for a fire to become an inferno.I always make certain her alarms are charged and activated.

    Reply
  28. Lindsay T says

    April 19, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Some great tips, my great-aunt is realising she may not be able to live on her own any longer, it’s a tough time.

    Reply
  29. Paula Dumont says

    April 19, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    What about a lifeline button/system … are those recommended?

    Reply
  30. Debbie White Beattie says

    April 20, 2016 at 2:06 am

    My parents have a safe, they also live in a bungalow that is wheelchair accessible. I’m lucky so far that they take good care of themselves.

    Reply
  31. Debbie Bashford says

    April 20, 2016 at 4:52 am

    We have the grab bars and no throw rugs also a bench that is put into the shower so they can sit down, and a daily pill dispenser that has large letters

    Reply
  32. Kim Tanti says

    April 20, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Great tips. I grew up In Toronto and our house was broken into 2x. The first time we had a bull dog which took a chunk out of the guys back end. there was blood all over the floor and window sill. That was before they could do DNA testing. But there was some badly injured sucker out there.

    Reply
  33. Florence C says

    April 20, 2016 at 11:14 am

    My 85 year old mom lives by herself. She can’t get around without a walker and shes had a home care worker for a few hours each day, but she is alone at night and I worry all the time. I live 1000 km away. These are great tips.

    Reply
  34. Stephanie LaPlante says

    April 20, 2016 at 11:29 am

    I would love to own a safe someday.

    Reply
  35. Linda Bragg says

    April 20, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    All very good tips and as a senior myself I find that going up and down stairs may be a problem in later years. Great article and thanks for posting. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  36. Jamie hall says

    April 21, 2016 at 6:38 am

    Thesw are great tips,a fall can be so serious for a senior.

    Reply
  37. Judy Cowan says

    April 21, 2016 at 7:21 am

    Great tips, definitely something that I am dealing with right now with aging parents.

    Reply
  38. Nate says

    April 21, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    Thanks for the tips

    Reply
  39. Wanda Tracey says

    April 21, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    These are great tips.My dad has a hard time getting around now and uses a walker.
    We removed all loose rugs too and we also have Meals On Wheels deliver for him so
    we know he is eating well.

    Reply
  40. Lorraine Wiebe says

    April 22, 2016 at 4:13 am

    Great tips thanks so much.

    Reply
  41. Silvia D says

    April 23, 2016 at 12:53 am

    great tips to keep in mind! thank you for the post!

    Reply
  42. donna s dufresne says

    April 23, 2016 at 5:45 am

    Thank you for these tip’s my mother in law had a fall 3 years ago and broke her arm wish we knew this than thank you for sharing

    Reply
  43. tammy ta says

    April 23, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I am going to be helping to check in on my neighbours. This tips may be useful to them.

    Reply
  44. AD says

    April 24, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    Great tips. I have only one grandmother left and I constantly worry about her well-being.

    Reply
  45. Mike Gismondi says

    April 25, 2016 at 11:15 am

    These are some really great tips. I’m going to do them!

    Reply
  46. Dave S says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Great tips. I have to care for my mother so will definitely consider some of these.

    Reply
  47. Louise Smith says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:37 am

    Great tips I love the lock box we started using a lock box for our baseball leagues clubhouse way easier then having 50 keys out there and we can change the combo whenever we need too.

    Reply
  48. Amanda Fontaine says

    April 29, 2016 at 10:43 am

    This was a great article. I have an almost 85 year old grandmother that still lives on her own in the country and these are great tips. Thank you for sharing. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  49. Mrs White says

    April 30, 2016 at 2:13 am

    I tend to worry about older relatives…and actually anyone older who is on their own.

    Reply
  50. Laurie P says

    April 30, 2016 at 7:46 am

    Great tips/reminders for everyone!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • RSS Feed

Search Mommy Kat and Kids

Current Giveaways

Mommy Kat and Kids
Jeulia Wedding Jewelry 2021

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress

Moms find kids tutu dresses on DHgate.com

Get discount codes on Baby and Children Clothing

Car Seat & Stroller coupons at BrokeScholar.com

Copyright © 2021 ยท Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework ยท WordPress ยท Log in