Assessment Tools for Elder Home Safety

Home accidents among the elderly are a common cause of injury, disability and death. When a senior chooses to live at home, you must consider the individual's mental status, physical limitations and environmental factors that can increase the chance of injury. Elder safety assessments are an important part of determining home safety for your loved one. A holistic approach to the senior's capabilities, medical conditions and home environment are necessary to make an informed decision.

Functional Assessment

• One in three adults age 65 and over fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls can cause broken bones, head trauma and other disabling injuries, so it is important to assess the functional ability of your loved one. Examine the person's ability to perform daily tasks, such as teeth-brushing, cooking, bathing and getting dressed. Monitor for unsteadiness, fall risk and the inability to finish tasks. Ensure canes, walkers and mobility aids are nearby. Schedule an appointment with a physician to discuss any physical disabilities that may interfere with self-care, and ask about assistive devices that can help your loved one with daily care.

Environmental Assessment

• Environmental assessments are vital for elder home safety. Check for exterior hazards, such as uneven walkways, crumbling porch steps and loose stones. Interior safety hazards include loose railings, unstable surfaces and improper lighting. Tape down cords and small rugs, which can be a tripping hazard for elderly people. Install grab bars in the bathroom to assist with getting in and out of the tub. Move heavy kitchen items to lower shelves for easy access. Stairs can be especially dangerous for seniors, so limit time on the stairs by moving furniture and everyday items to the lower floor.

Cognitive Assessment

• Seniors often worry about being placed in a nursing facility, so they may try to hide problems from you to continue living at home. Forgetfulness is a common problem as we age, but a consistent pattern of forgetfulness and confusion may indicate a more serious problem, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Monitor your loved ones for signs that might indicate they are unable to care for themselves, such as dirty clothing, body odor or weight loss. If you notice they are forgetting names, common words or how to do everyday tasks, schedule an appointment with a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

Medication Assessment

• Medication administration is an important part of elder home safety. Seniors purchase more than 25 percent of all prescription medications in the United States, according to the American Geriatrics Society. Seniors are also more sensitive to the effects of medications, so taking the wrong medicine or dosage could be deadly. Ask your loved ones to identify each medication by label, appearance and dosage. In addition, verify that they know how much of each medication to take and when to take it. Physicians often treat elderly people for multiple illnesses, so review their list of medications during doctor's visits to verify they are taking the correct amount of medicine.