ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

An advance directive is a legal document that lets you specify your medical care preferences and who should make decisions for you if you are unable to do so. Advance directives are also known as living wills, healthcare declarations, or medical directives. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. You also help reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions (DOPA-HC)

​Durable Power of attorney FORMS

ENGLISH FORM

SPANISH FORM

This form is sometimes called the Healthcare Power of Attorney. It is a signed and notarized or witnessed legal paper. It allows a person to name someone to make health care decisions for him/her during a time of disability or incapacity. (The person who has the power of attorney is called the health care agent, proxy, surrogate or DPOA-HC.)
 

•       The terms of the form may be fairly general or very specific, as desired. The powers granted usually include:

  •    Decisions about going to the hospital​

  •    Choice of doctors

  •    Long term care​​​

•     The terms of this paper may include:

  •    Refusing or withdrawing consent for the use of life sustaining procedures (even with the person is in a coma or persistent vegetative state.)​

  •    Consent for organ donation and autopsy.

•    The person signing the DOPA-HC must be an adult (at least 18 years old) and competent when the document is signed. A person is usually assumed to be competent and does not need to prove it in the absence of actual notice of the opposite.

•       Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age. They cannot be the agent or related to the person be blood, marriage, or adoption. They cannot have a financial interest in the person's medical care or estate.

•       The HOPA may be effective only when the person lacks the capacity (as determined by a physician) to make or communicate decisions.

•       The healthcare agent may not cancel a person's Living Will.

Durable Power of attorney Information Brochure

ENGLISH Information Brochure

SPANISH Information Brochure

Living Will

Living Will Form

ENGLISH FORM

SPANISH FORM

A Living Will is a signed and notarized or witnessed form that allows a person to state in advance that his/her dying should not be artificially prolonged in cases of terminal illness. This decision may be made only by the patient or by a person the patient has designated as Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. Relatives and even the patient's legal guardian do not have the authority to make this decision. The form is authorized by Kansas Law.

​

• The person must be an adult (at least 18 years of age) and competent when the Living Will is signed.

• Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age. They cannot be the agent or related to the person by blood, marriage, or adoption. They cannot have a financial interest in the person's medical care or estate.

• The Living Will applies only when the person has been diagnosed and certified as terminally ill by two doctors. One of the doctors is the patient's attending physician. (Terminally ill usually means that death will probably occur within six months regardless of whether life-sustaining measures are used.)

• The Living Will does not apply to a person in a coma or persistent vegetative state unless the person is also diagnosed as terminally ill.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Directive

Patient's Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Directive FORM

ENGLISH FORM

SPANISH FORM

A Patient's DNR Directive is a signed, dated, and witnessed form that lets an adult say in advance his/her decision that if his/her heart stops beating or breathing stops. No medical procedure will be done to restart the heart or breathing.

• Other appropriate emergency medical care by pre-hospital care givers or medical care directed by a doctor may be given.

• This form is authorized by Kansas Law.

• The person must be an adult and competent when the paper is signed (at least 18 years old.) This document can only be signed by the patient/person and must be signed in front of the notary public.

• The paper must also be signed by the attending physician as "medically appropriate" unless the person's church or religion recognizes treatment by spiritual means only.

• Understanding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

ENGLISH Information Brochure

SPANISH Information Brochure

Physician's Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

A physician's DNR order (as distinguished from a patient's DNR Directive) may be any doctor's way of making a "do not resuscitate" order (sometimes referred to as "no code") in a medical care facility and adult care home, or an emergency medical service (if the method or order was established prior to April 14, 1994.)

•  It may be a separate paper or merely a physician's order in the patient's record.

• Informed consent should be given by the patient or patient's healthcare agent.

Choosing an agent

How do you decide who should be your agent, the person who becomes your substitute voice in your healthcare?  Your agent should be someone you trust, a person who is close enough to you to know what your values are in relation to quality of life. He/she needs to be a person who will take the time to listen to you and learn how you feel about such end of life issues as use of IV’s and feeding tubes, and other life-sustaining treatments.

For more information about choosing an agent, please view or download the Choosing an Agent to Represent You brochure.

Advance Directive FAQ

Advance Directives Recognized by Kansas

Advance Directive Resources

Caring Conversations – Making your wishes known

FALL PREVENTION

Fall risk assessment

Stay healthy and independent by checking your risk for falls. 

CDC provides a Stay Independent Risk For falling checklist.  Download the checklist and assess your fall risk.  If your score is 4 or higher you may be at risk for falling.  Discuss this risk score with your doctor.

You may also check your fall risk online using the link below.  On our website, also explore Mobility – Transportation and Home safety for older adults on how to prevent falls and reduce your fall risk.

https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/

Postural Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Postural hypotension—or orthostatic hypotension, is when your blood pressure drops when you go from lying down to sitting up, or from sitting to standing.  When your blood pressure drops, less blood can go to your organs and muscles. This can make you more likely to fall.

What are the symptoms?

Although many people with postural hypotension have no symptoms, others do.

These symptoms can differ from person to person, and may include:

•       Dizziness or lightheadedness

•       Feeling about to faint, passing out, or falling

•       Headaches, blurry or tunnel vision

•       Feeling vague or muddled

•       Feeling pressure across the back of your shoulders or neck

•       Feeling nauseous, or hot and clammy

•       Weakness or fatigue 

When might symptoms happen?

•       When standing or sitting up suddenly

•       In the morning when blood pressure is naturally lower

•       After a large meal or alcohol

•       During exercise

•       When straining on the toilet

•       When you are ill

•       If you become anxious or panicky

What causes postural hypotension?

Postural hypotension can be caused by or linked to:

•       High blood pressure

•       Diabetes, heart failure, atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries

•       Taking some diuretics, antidepressants, or medicines to lower blood pressure

•       Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and some types of dementia

•       Dehydration

•       Vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia

•       Alcoholism

•       Prolonged bed rest

What can I do to manage my postural hypotension?

•       Tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms.

•       Ask if any of your medicines should be reduced or stopped.

•       Get out of bed slowly. First sit up, sit on the side of the bed, then stand up.

•       Take your time when changing position, such as when getting up from a chair.

•       Try to sit down when washing, showering, dressing, or working in the kitchen.

•       Exercise gently before getting up (move your feet up and down and clench and unclench your hands) or after standing (march in place).

•       Make sure you have something to hold on to when you stand up.

•       Do not walk if you feel dizzy.

•       Drink 6-8 glasses of water or low-calorie drinks each day—unless you have been told to limit your fluid intake.

•       Avoid taking very hot baths or showers.

•       Try sleeping with extra pillows to raise your head.

Medication safety

There many medications that are linked to falls, particularly in the elderly.

Have your doctor and/or pharmacist review your medications whenever possible.  Medication management can reduce interactions and side effects that may lead to falls.

BASIC GUIDE:

STOP medications when possible.

SWITCH to safer alternatives.

REDUCE medications to the lowest effective dose

Common drug categories with highest link to falls may include:

Psychoactive medications

•        Anticonvulsants

•        Antidepressants

•        Antipsychotics

•        Benzodiazepines

•        Opioids

•        Sedatives-hypnotics

Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.

Some can cause dizziness, sedation, confusion, blurred vision, or orthostatic hypotension. These include:

•        Anticholinergics

•        Antihistamines

•        Medications affecting blood pressure

•        Muscle relaxants

Discuss with your doctor and/or pharmacist about a plan that includes medication changes, and a monitoring plan for potential side effects. Discuss non-pharmacologic options to manage medical conditions.

Steps you can take to prevent falls

•        Take control of your health, use the – 6 steps to prevent Falls for details

•        Home improvements/modifications that can be done to prevent falls and delaying disability and difficulty with self care, use the link Aging at home for more information

•        Ask your doctor or health care provider to assess if physical therapy is right for you. Physical therapy can help improve your strength and balance.

•        Check with your local community center to find exercise classes near you. Exercise, especially Tai Chi, has been shown to reduce the risk of falls. Tai Chi is slow and gentle enough for everyone to participate.

•        Schedule a visit with an eye care provider. Improving your glasses can reduce your falls risk.

•        Make your home safer. You can improve lighting, install railings, and move frequently used objects to a place that’s easier to reach. Use the CDC Home Fall Prevention Checklist

DEPRESSION AND AGING

Older adults often face health challenges and life changes that may put them at greater risk for depression. But depression is not a normal part of aging. It is a treatable condition that requires medical attention.

With the right treatment, older adults can get relief from the symptoms of depression.

Depression is not a normal part of growing older

Depression is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.  It is not just having "the blues" or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one.

Although depression is not a normal part of aging, older adults often experience challenges related to health or changes in life circumstances. This may put them at increased risk for depression.  Approximately 4% of older adults aged 70 and over have depression.

Symptoms of depression

This is a list of common symptoms of depression. People experience depression differently, so there may be symptoms that are not on this list:

•        Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless often or all the time.

•        Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun.

•        Weight gain or loss, or changes in appetite.

•        Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.

•        Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or restless.

•        Lack of energy or feeling tired.

•        Feeling worthless or overly guilty.

•        Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

•        Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

Older adults and depression

Depression is more common in:

•        People who have medical conditions like heart disease or cancer.

•        People whose daily functioning becomes limited.

•        People with sleep problems.

•        People with more than one health condition are more likely to experience depression.‎

  • Most older adults have at least one chronic health condition.

  • Half of older adults have two or more health conditions.

Older adults often don't get the care they need for mental health

Older adults often do not seek help for depression.

•        They may think their symptoms are a normal part of getting older.

•        They may feel stigma or shame about feeling depressed.

•        They may not understand that they could feel better with the right treatment.

Older adults may also face barriers to treatment, including:

•        Difficulty getting care because of costs, problems with transportation, or a lack of mental health services.

•        Healthcare professionals may not adequately diagnose or treat depression in older adults.

  •   They may confuse the symptoms with physical illness, leading to underdiagnosis.

  •   They may not be trained to provide appropriate screening or treatment for mental health in older adults.

What you can do

The good news is that depression only affects a small proportion of older adults. And it is treatable

If you are concerned about a loved one, you can help them by:

•       Encouraging them to get help and ask what they need for support.

•       Offering to go with them to talk to a health care provider.

•       Joining them for walks or other physical activities. This gives you a chance to connect with them and there are emotional benefits to exercising!

Treatment works

Effective treatments are available, including:

•       Medication for depression.

•       Psychotherapy.

•       A combination of both.

Most older adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated.

National suicide and crisis lifeline

Get help right away if you or someone you care about is in crisis.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please get help immediately.

Options include:

•       If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a trained counselor. You can also chat online at https://988lifeline.org/

•       In life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

•       Learn more about the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

•       Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

MOBILITY - TRANSPORTATION

What can you do to stay independent? 

The CDC My Mobility Plan tool kit will help you learn how to maintain your mobility and independence.  It provides a step by step plan on how to maintain your mobility. 

National aging and disability transportation center (NADTC)

NADTC’s goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. NADTC Provides resources and training on accessible transportation to empower communities and support individuals, a program of the Federal Transit Administration administered by Easterseals and USAging.

Use the link for more information on how to get help https://www.nadtc.org/

Bone health

Having strong, healthy bones is important at any age. But as we grow older, the health of our bones requires more attention. Diminished bone density can lead to osteoporosis—a debilitating disease that increases the risk of fractures. Get the information to stay proactive about your bone health.

HOME SAFETY FOR AGING ADULTS

Here are some tips to make your home safer.  A safe home can prevent falls and delay disability and difficulties with self-care.

Help in an emergency

Having tools and processes in place to get help in an emergency and minimize damage from falls, accidents, or other dangers is vital. The few systems below can help ensure you get the help you need when you need it—with no time wasted.

Home security system

The first emergency tool you can use is a general home security system. Using even a small system that alerts you when certain home barriers are breached or if someone is near an entryway of the home can help you be more alert and reach out for help if it’s needed.

Choosing a system with a camera and speaker system can allow you to preview people at the door from wherever you are in the home, so you can speak to them if necessary. This can help you determine whether it’s even necessary to answer the door, as well as allow you to inform visitors it will take you a few minutes to get to the door. You can take your time instead, so you don’t increase your fall risk by rushing.

Medical alert system

Useful for getting help in an emergency, medical alert devices often include a wearable help button, which, in the event of a fall or another emergency, the wearer can push to connect with a 24/7 monitoring center. Research shows a medical alert device can help give users a stronger sense of security and independence and can bring peace of mind, even for people not at high risk of falling.

Emergency phone tree

Establish a process for alerting family members and caregivers if there’s an accident or if help is needed. An emergency phone tree, which specifies which caregivers and family/friends to contact in an emergency and in what order, can help alert others of an emergency and get the help you need quickly.

With some medical alert systems, you can set friends and family as emergency contacts. For example, when you push the button you can customize the alert to summon the operator as well as your first emergency contact. This can streamline your emergency phone tree and ensure your caregivers are the first people aware of an emergency.

Tip list:

•       Create an emergency phone tree

•       Consider a medical alert system if you or someone you care for are concerned about falls risks

•       Home security systems can help you to communicate better with visitors

Interior home safety

When assessing the safety of the inside of the home, it might be easiest to go through each room, taking notes as you go, to spot potential hazards and make changes as needed.

General considerations

As a general rule, keep a list of emergency phone numbers in an accessible place, preferably near a phone or stored in your cellphone. Consider prioritizing contacts who live close to you, so if there’s an emergency, they can reach you promptly.

Lighting

Increasing the lighting in your home doesn’t need to be an expensive fix requiring an electrician or rewiring your home.

First, consider replacing current bulbs with LED lightbulbs with higher brightness in areas or rooms that need more lighting. These bulbs will also last longer, so you won’t need to change them as often. If you’re easily bothered by bright lights, you may want to install dimmer light switches, so you can adjust the brightness according to your needs. While fluorescent lighting is often the worst for people with cataracts, bright LED lighting can sometimes create discomfort, too.

If you’re looking to add lighting in places not currently wired for traditional light bulbs, consider purchasing LED light strips to plug into existing outlets. They can easily illuminate walkways and give extra lighting under cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.

You might also want to consider adding motion-detection lights. These lights are great for interior and exterior use and are perfect if you don’t want to worry about using switches or remotes to light up the room. Using motion-detection night lights in hallways can make trips to the bathroom easier at night, so you won’t stumble looking for the light switch. Light-sensor nightlights that can plug into outlets are helpful, too—they come on automatically when light dims below a certain point, illuminating hallways better.

A motion detection light can be useful in a stairwell by ensuring you can see where the next step is and helping prevent trips and falls 

Removing trip hazards

One of the easiest ways to prevent a slip or fall is to wear nonslip footwear, like slippers, that are comfortable and easy to walk in. Look for footwear with a closed heel to prevent the shoe from coming off your foot, as well as a rubberized or textured sole to create traction when walking. Having a hard sole is often helpful - A hard sole contributes to more sensation being transmitted from the bottoms of the feet, which in turn provides a greater sense of stability and balance.

When conducting your home assessment, pay special attention to the floor. Something as simple as a throw rug can bunch up under a walker, a cane, or your feet and easily turn into a fall hazard. Even traditional nonslip mats can become a hazard if the mat creates the slightest elevation rise between steps.

Consider removing all rugs, especially from high-traffic walkways, or at least replacing them with vinyl rugs. Vinyl rugs are low-profile, so they don’t create an elevation change, and are made of slip-resistant material that won’t bunch up under your feet or other walking aids. Any area rugs (larger rugs used in a sitting area) should be fixed to the floor to keep them from moving. Another caveat to this is in bathrooms that have porcelain or tile floors: Having something nonskid that’s appropriately tacked down can be, not only aesthetically pleasing, but falling onto a carpet rather than directly onto a tile floor can sometimes make a difference in the extent of fall-related injuries.

Also, note any thresholds transitioning between flooring types and rooms. Ideally, they should be completely flat to make sure they aren’t a trip hazard. If a threshold presents a drastic change in elevation, and you can’t replace it with a flat one, you can install a small threshold ramp on either side of the threshold to make it less of a tripping hazard.

Vinyl rugs are made of a durable material that is slip-resistant and low-profile to prevent tripping.

Replacing cabinet pulls

It can be difficult to grip certain handles or turn knobs, particularly if you have reduced dexterity or arthritis, so to keep day-to-day life more comfortable, consider replacing commonly used handles, doorknobs, and other pulls with more comfortable ones. “D” handles are known for being the easiest to use because you don’t need to grip them to open them. Rather, you can simply loop your hand around the handle and pull.

D-style handles are simple and are easy to grip and pull for people of all levels of dexterity.

If it’s not in your budget to replace all handles throughout your home, prioritize replacing the ones getting daily use, like in the primary bathroom and on kitchen cabinets.

Accessibility of everyday items

As you’re walking through your home, ask questions and take notes about what items are used every day and where they’re stored. This includes large and small items. For example, if you or your loved one takes daily medication, consider using an easy-to-open pill container with clear labeling. Make sure larger items are in an accessible location, as well as in a location where you won’t have to perform any overhead lifting and bending. Of course, it’s impossible to put every item in a place that’s easy to access. Ask for assistance from family and friends when needing to reach items that are not within reach.

Reducing the risk of burns

As we age, our skin becomes more likely to be hurt by heat because of changes in skin composition, noted Norman. If you’ll be taking hot showers or using hot water in the kitchen, consider reducing the temperature setting on your hot water heater to prevent burns. Also, be mindful when boiling water, you may use an electric kettle with an easy-pour spout rather than a pan over the stove.

living area

The living area is a space in the home where the majority of your day is spent. Arrange the furniture to keep a clear walkway and pay close attention to coffee or other low-level tables, which can be tripping hazards. Consider removing coffee tables and replacing them with tables placed adjacent to the most frequently used couches and chairs. The most frequently used chairs should be high enough, so it’s easy to get in and out of. If you use a landline as your primary phone, consider putting it close to the sitting area to make answering calls easier. If you use a cordless phone or cellphone, make a charging station nearby to keep devices at full power.

Also, consider pets, especially cats and dogs. According to a report released by the CDC, an estimated average of 86,629 fall injuries each year were associated with cats and dogs.   While they make great companions, our pets can also get underfoot. You can try putting a bell or other noise-making device on your pet’s collar so you’ll know where they are at all times. But you might not hear a bell if you’re experiencing hearing loss. Other ways to avoid tripping over pets include training them, knowing their habits so you’re not taken off guard, knowing your surroundings, and making sure they get enough attention and exercise.

Tip list:

•       Be sure heavy furniture is safely secured to avoid tip-overs.

•       Consider removing or moving low-level tables or furniture to prevent tripping

•       Keep a charging station next to the sitting area for easy access to devices

•       If using an area rug, make sure it’s fixed to the floor, and the edges won’t bunch up under your feet or walking aid

•       Be aware of your pets

Walkways and stairways

When assessing hallways, look for potential trip hazards, like throw rugs and thresholds, and consider adding handrails along the walls. Even if you or your loved one are fully mobile, installing a handrail is good for fall prevention. Adding bright contrast tape to uneven parts of the floor can help you be more aware when walking. If electrical cords or other lines or cables are crossing the path, relocate the device to another plug more out of the way to reduce the possibility of tripping over the cables.

If you or your loved one uses a walking aid and has a multi-story home, you may consider a stair lift for the stairway. This can reduce the time it takes to move up the steps and remove the risk of falling up or down the stairs. If a stair lift isn’t in your budget, adding nonslip treads or carpeting to steps with a smooth surface can also help reduce the risk of falling. Make sure there is adequate lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs and light switches in both places. If you are using the stairs at night, think about adding motion detection lights along the steps to keep the stairs illuminated. Adding a strip of reflective tape at the end of each step may be helpful.

Stair tread covers are often made of carpet-like fabric with nonslip texture on the other side to prevent slipping.

Tip list:

•       Add nonslip tread covers to steps

•       Use motion detection lighting to illuminate halls and stairwells

•       Install handrailing throughout halls and up the stairs

•       Consider installing a stair lift (if needed)

•       Move cables that cross high-traffic areas to prevent tripping

•       If there are thresholds or uneven flooring, use bright tape to mark the hazard

Bedroom Safety

The bedroom can harbor risks that disproportionately affect older adults, and awareness and proactive measures can help prevent potential accidents associated with bed and room falls, bedding hygiene, circulation issues, mattress safety, and fires.

Bed falls

Falling out of bed is a significant concern for older adults, as it can lead to severe injuries and a decline in overall quality of life. Bed falls may be caused by mobility issues resulting from reduced strength and balance, along with chronic health conditions. Medications, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, sleep aids, and antihistamines, are associated with dizziness or imbalance, increasing the risk of falls. And, if an older adult has impaired vision, wakes frequently throughout the night, or the room is poorly lit or cluttered, these individuals are also at an increased risk of bed falls. 

To lower the likelihood of a fall, we suggest making adjustments to the bed, such as placing it next to a wall, lowering the height, or switching to an adjustable base bed. Adding bed rails, keeping walkers close by, and adding foam bumpers as barriers are additional safety steps to prevent bed falls. Removing clutter and cords around the bed as well as using a bed alarm to alert caregivers when you are getting out of bed are added steps you can take to increase bed safety.

Circulation issues

Circulatory problems and heart disease go hand-in-hand since your heart is in charge of circulating your blood, and these circulation issues can lead to discomfort, numbness, and pain, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position. In some cases, older adults may find relief only in specific sleep positions or with their feet hanging off the end of the bed, which may pose a safety hazard for falls or other injuries. Improving circulation can alleviate these issues and contribute to a safer, more comfortable sleep environment.

There are many strategies aimed at reducing circulation problems, including using pillows or an adjustable base to elevate the feet, getting regular exercise, and taking a warm bath before bed. Compression stockings, a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water are additional steps that can be taken to improve problems with circulation.

Bedding hygiene

Maintaining good bedding hygiene is crucial for both comfort and health. Unclean bedding can breed bacteria, which can lead to a host of issues like skin irritations and infections. Regularly washing sheets in hot water kills bacteria and germs. Wash at least once a week, more often if incontinence is an issue, and use a mattress protector to prevent moisture from seeping into the mattress. 

Scented laundry detergents can irritate the skin, so we suggest opting for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options to minimize reactions. Additionally, by practicing good skin hygiene, changing sleep positions often, and checking for pressure sores, you can help prevent skin issues that could result in an infection.

Kitchen

The first step of kitchen safety is making sure your appliances, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. Check appliances for frayed cords or malfunction when completing your kitchen safety assessment. Smoke and gas detectors should be installed according to National Fire Protection Association guidelines and should be tested at least once per month, and batteries should be replaced at least once per year.   If you don’t want the hassle of replacing batteries regularly, you may prefer smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries, which last up to 10 years, and will alert you with a chirp when the battery is low.

According to the American Burn Association, adults 65 and older are at much higher risk of injury and death from a kitchen fire due to physical, visual, hearing, or mental impairments, which may slow the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.   If you have a hard time hearing, choose a detector that will alert you by sound and strobe lights. If you ever have a fire emergency or a detector goes off, call 911 immediately. You should not try to put out the fire yourself. A nother helpful fire safety tip is to be aware of the flame height on burners when cooking with a gas stove and avoid wearing long sleeves that could easily catch fire.

If using knives, may consider using pierce-resistant safety gloves to protect from cuts, and use a rubberized cutting board to prevent the knife from slipping while chopping. Vegetable choppers are a safe alternative to using knives to cut or dice foods.

Tip list:

•       Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per the manufacturer’s instructions

•       Check appliances for frayed cords and ensure they’re in working order

•       Keep the phone number for poison control accessible

•       Wear appropriate clothing when cooking (short sleeves and fire-resistant material)

•       Purchase cut-resistant protective gloves and rubberized cutting boards

Bathroom

Falls occurring in the bathroom are more than twice as likely to result in an injury compared to falls occurring in the living room.  This makes bathroom safety one of the top concerns for older adults who choose to age in place. Investing in a walk-in tub can be an effective way to prevent falls while getting into and out of the shower or tub. If a walk-in-tub renovation isn’t in your budget, there are other more affordable options to provide additional safety and comfort.

This includes adding nonslip gripping material to the shower or tub floor and installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub to help you remain stable. Rugs are great for catching water around the bathing area, but make sure you’re using nonslip mats, so they won’t bunch up when you walk on them.

Tip list:

•       Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub area

•       Add gripping to the bottom of the tub or shower

•       Insert a shower chair or bench

•       Replace low toilets with higher ones, or add a raised toilet seat

•       Secure nonslip bath mats or rugs to the floor

•       Install durable and easy-to-use faucets (consider using a single-handle faucet)

Exterior home safety

Depending on how often you or your loved one leaves the home, making appropriate exterior modifications may be a good idea to keep your environment safe and comfortable. This starts with keeping entryways accessible by installing handrails and ramps, if needed, to get in and out of the home. Also make sure that lighting is working and is adequate by fully lighting up the space when it is dark.

Using bright solar lights or motion detection lights around steps and walkways will help you see where you’re going and prevent falls, and since they aren’t constantly on, they will need to be replaced less frequently than traditional overhead lights.

Seasonal and material considerations

During the winter months, take extra precautions when using steps or walking on icy concrete. If you’re unable to do it yourself, see whether a neighbor or family member can help salt your steps and walkways to reduce ice build-up, and always use assistance (handrailing or another person) when using steps. If it’s in the budget, there are snow removal services you can hire to keep your driveway and walkways clear.

Also, consider the impact of the elements on steps and walkways, which can degrade over time, causing these areas to break down and become uneven. Maintaining these high-traffic spaces is important for keeping your home free of fall hazards. If you start to notice bricks crumbling or the walkway becoming uneven, consult a concrete repair specialist.

Tip list:

•       Entryway lighting (motion detector or always-on lighting)

•       Ramps when necessary

•       Railings around all steps

•       Keep mats to a minimum (to prevent trips and falls)

•       Clear walkways leading to the point of entry

•       Make sure the front door (and storm door) is easy to open, lock, and unlock

Other home safety considerations

Fire safety 

Fire prevention and preparedness is of utmost importance in your bedroom as in other rooms of your home. Keeping items like fire blankets or extinguishers easily accessible can help you if an emergency situation should arise. It’s also a good idea to plan your fire evacuation by ensuring your fire alarm is working properly and practicing fire drills every so often.

Electrical safety

Since electrical fires most commonly start in the bedroom, take care and avoid trapping electrical cords under bedding or against walls where heat can build up. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains, and other combustible items away from space heaters, and only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. 

Check cords regularly to make sure they are not frayed, and make sure the fuse box in your home is properly labeled for clear and safe use.

Medication safety

It is important to take all medications exactly as they are prescribed by your healthcare provider, educating yourself on potential side effects that could pose safety risks.

Adopting a few simple habits can go a long way when it comes to medication safety, including checking expiration dates regularly and keeping a list of medications up-to-date to show your healthcare provider if they’re considering prescribing a new medication. Lastly, store medications in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to extreme heat or moisture.

Products to help older adults age in place

Properly fitting nonslip footwear, easy-to-open pill dispensers, and appropriate eyewear are just a few everyday items you can purchase to make independent living safer and more comfortable. Additionally, there are certain devices and products specifically created to help older adults age in place.

Medical alert systems

A medical alert system is a device that allows you to connect with a 24/7 monitoring center at the push of a button. With some medical alert systems, like HandsFree Health, you can customize it, so your caregiver receives your emergency alerts when you push the button for help. Other systems can give you the benefit of automatic fall detection, so if you fall, the system will automatically contact a monitoring center staff member who can call for help. A variety of systems are available for in-home or on-the-go lifestyles, so you can find one to fit your needs.

GPS trackers

GPS trackers are small devices that can help track someone’s location. These work using a Global Position System (GPS), so a connection to the internet or other wireless service isn’t required. You can purchase GPS trackers separately, like as a watch, or many medical alert systems come with GPS already installed and a corresponding caregiver app, which allows you to track someone when they’re on the move. The Alzheimer’s Association reported six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once.  A GPS can help locate a lost person and reduce their exposure to danger. These devices are generally discreet and can easily be tucked away in a bag.

Hearing aids

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when living independently. If you or someone in your care has been having trouble hearing, consider taking an online hearing test or seeing an audiologist for a more in-depth hearing test to discuss hearing aids.

Cellphones

If you don’t already own a cellphone and regularly leave the home, consider getting a cellphone, so you can easily reach someone in the event of an emergency. Some mobile phones, like Jitterbug, also double as a medical alert system and come with access to a monitoring system, so all you need to do is press a button to summon help if you fall or are in an accident.

 Walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs offer a safe, comfortable, and convenient way to bathe, especially if you experience mobility issues. The door on a walk-in tub swings either out or in and has a low threshold, making it easier to step over. Plus, walk-in tubs often come with jet features, which can help ease sore joints. Walk-in tubs come in many models, with some including a shower combination.

Home safety for aging adults checklist

Use the room-by-room checklist below as you walk through your home and note potential safety hazards and modifications you should make.

Download the PDF printable Home-Safety-Checklist-for-Older-Adults.

EXTERIOR

•       Lighting

  •     Motion detection lighting for use at night

  •     Overhead lighting to illuminate the entryway

•       Security system to prevent home intrusion

•       Ramp installation (if needed)

•       Handrails along all steps

•       Clear walkway from the parking area to home entry

•       Front door and storm door is lightweight and easy to open

•       Mats should be low-profile and not create a fall risk

•       Doorknob is easy to turn

INTERIOR

Hallways

•       Motion detection lights to illuminate the hall

•       Handrailing throughout walkways (if needed)

•       No throw rugs that create fall hazards (replace with vinyl rugs if needed)

•       No wiring or cords crossing high-traffic areas

•  

Stairways

•       Stair lift (if needed)

•       Nonslip stair treads

•       Motion detection lights on steps

•       Handrailing

Kitchen

•       Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work and are present in kitchen (and throughout the home)

•       Appliances are working correctly (no frayed wires or error codes)

•       The phone number for poison control is accessible

•       Appropriate clothing is worn when cooking (short sleeves and fire-resistant material)

•       Cut-resistant protective gloves and rubberized cutting boards

Living areas

•       Walkways are clear

•       No low-level tables or furniture that can cause tripping

•       Landline or cellphone charging station is next to the sitting area

Bedroom

•       Bed is easy to get into and out of (keep a step stool nearby for bed access)

•       The room is clutter-free for more restful sleep

•       Charging station for devices near bed

 Bathroom

•       Mount grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub area

•       Install walk-in-tub/shower (if needed)

•       Add a nonslip mat on the tub or shower floor

•       Use nonslip mats around the bathing area

•       Replace faucet handles with ones that are easy to use

•       Replace low toilets or toilet seats with higher ones to make it easier to get on and off

Other home safety considerations

•       Plan and practice a fire evacuation route

•       Replace heating blankets with frayed cords and remove cords from near walls or under blankets.

•       Keep an updated list of medications 

•       Store medications in dry, cool place and regularly check expiration dates

Bottom line

Home safety should be at the top of the list when choosing to age in place. If you want to assess the overall safety of your home, view the home safety checklist for older adults and walk through each room of your house and take notes. This will make you more aware of potential hazards and how they can be removed or modified.