Sponsored Partner Content by Sunrise Senior Living

Many older Americans would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as they possibly can.

Making that decision means weighing a lot of factors, including home safety. One way to find out whether your senior loved one’s home is safe, comfortable, and functional is to conduct a Home Safety Audit.

What is a Home Safety Audit?

Everyone needs a home that’s safe and secure, but seniors may need a few modifications made to their homes in order to feel comfortable and be safe.

It’s hard to look at a familiar place with an objective eye for safety, which is why the AARP has published a home safety audit checklist.

On this checklist, you’ll find questions about safety issues in the home that you might never think of on your own. For example, can you hear the doorbell ring from every corner of the house? Is the front door peephole at the right height? Are locks easy to use?

Going Beyond Basic Safety

The AARP checklist may seem comprehensive because it’s so long but, believe it or not, there’s more to a safety audit than what’s found there. We recommend using that checklist as a starting point but here are some other factors to consider.

How to Create a Convenient Environment for Your Senior Loved One

There are other environmental factors to consider, as well. Here are a few to remember when you are assessing a senior’s home for safety issues.

• View furniture as a possible aid to balance. Furniture should be placed so that your senior loved one can use it to stabilize themselves. That means it should be sturdy and pathways should be kept clear. Furniture shouldn’t tip easily, either.
• Consider fabric colors with an eye for contrast. Aging eyes often find it difficult to distinguish between similar colors. When the rug is dark like the floor, the risk of tripping on the edge of the rug is greater. There are dozens of ways to use contrasting colors to help seniors with aging eyes navigate and feel secure.
• Allow for plenty of natural light. It helps seniors who have vision problems navigate around their home easier and safer. And there are other benefits natural light provides. Primarily, it helps keep our circadian rhythms in balance. That means better sleep and improved mood!

No Matter Where You Call Home, It’s Your Castle

No matter where you live or what type of dwelling you inhabit, your home provides a sense of comfort and independence. It should be safe, secure, and comfortable as well as aesthetically pleasing to you. Your home is your castle, a place where you can relax and enjoy the things you love to do. That is true for adults of all ages.

We’re so proud that we’re sharing our insight and expertise with you. Download the complimentary Sunrise Senior Living Home Design Guide today to incorporate some of our tips in your own home or living space!