Home Instead is helping keep seniors safe at home with our latest public education booklet – Making Home Safer for Seniors.

The free booklet includes a number of simple home safety solutions, a home safety checklist and information on where seniors can access home maintenance and modification support.

Research has shown that every year, one in three Australians aged 65 years and over and living in their own home will have a fall.

Making Home Safer for Seniors provides practical solutions to help safeguard seniors’ health and independence at home and shares a range of ideas for creating a more comfortable and practical senior home environment.

Director of Home Instead Australia, Martin Warner says 90% of Australian seniors want to remain in the comfort of their own home rather than institutionalized care. However, the majority of seniors haven’t taken any steps to prepare their homes for their changing needs as they grow older. 

“It is important that your home is, and remains, a safe, healthy and practical living environment for as long as possible,” Martin said.

“It is critical for families and seniors to invest the time in identifying the necessary home safety solutions, maintenance and modifications to ensure it stays that way.”

The most common issues found in seniors’ homes are trip hazards, a lack of assistive equipment, such as grab bars in bathrooms, and storage that is too high or too low.

Home Instead recommends a thorough safety check of senior homes annually.

“An annual safety check can help prevent an assortment of home hazards, threatening seniors’ ability to continue living at home.”

Preventable home hazards, such as throw rugs, slippery floors or loose railings, can be particularly harmful, leading to falls and injuries that can threaten a seniors’ ability to live at home independently.

Martin says Home Instead CAREGivers are trained to identify and remedy any potential risks to senior safety, minimizing the risk for slips, trips, falls and other accidents in and around the home.

“When we go into homes, we see a lot of red flags that are easily overlooked by those who are familiar with the home.”

“If something needs fixing, replacing or installing, we help coordinate and supervise home maintenance and modification jobs for seniors.”

“More often than not, these are relatively easy and affordable fixes—and could make the difference between a trip to the emergency room and staying safe at home, instead.”

Download a copy of Making Home Safer for Seniors today.