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More than 39 million members of the population are over age 65, and
by the year 2030 there will be nearly 70 million senior citizens in the
United States. Since the majority (95%) of this age group live in their
own homes, home security and safety are serious concerns for family members.
If you need to adapt your own — or a relative's — home
to accommodate the security and safety needs of a senior, Schlage can
help you get started with this checklist that guides you room by room.
As you tour the home, be sure to consider both current demands and future
needs. Entryway/Exterior Foyer, Bedrooms and Halls
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Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly
to make sure the batteries are fresh and they are working properly.
One of each should be present on each floor of the home, in each bedroom,
and near any potential source of fire, such as utility rooms. Batteries
should be changed and the devices tested at least yearly. |
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Make sure the halls have adequate lighting and
easy access to light switches. Proper lighting can help avoid trips
and accidents. |
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Keep doorways unobstructed,
and tie away any loose extension cords to avoid trips. Check rugs
and carpets to make sure they are secured to floors.
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Schlage levers are ADA compliant, and add a
decorative touch throughout the home for a fraction of the cost
of a complete home improvement project. They are also available
in an array of finishes that coordinate with the entryway handleset,
switchplates,
coat hooks and
other decorative
hardware to make a great first impression for the home.
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Add nightlights in bedrooms, and install
a telephone and reading light bedside. Consider installing an emergency
response system. |
Living Room/Family Room
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Make sure furniture is easy to get in and out of
easily. |
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All furniture — particularly end and coffee
tables - should be stable and sturdy enough to support the weight
of a person leaning on them. |
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Make sure fireplace screens are in place, keep
drapes and rugs away from the hearth, and have fireplaces professionally
cleaned yearly. |
Kitchen
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Reorganize essential equipment in accessible drawers
and cabinets to make day-to-day chores easy.
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Check cords on appliances for wear. |
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Ives drawer-pulls
can add decorative upgrades and improve access. |
Bathrooms
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Add grab bars by toilets and bathtubs/shower stalls
to make entry and exit easier. Consider ADA compliant tubs and showers
that feature benches and bars at various heights. And be sure to install
safety treads on the shower/tub floor.
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Ives drawer-pulls
can add decorative upgrades and improve access. |
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Consider hot-water regulation systems to eliminate
possible burns. |
Other Security and Safety Ideas
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Check all rooms for adequate lighting. Keep in
mind that an 85-year-old needs about three times the amount of light
a 15-year-old needs to see the same thing. |
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Seniors are an active Internet audience
— consider a large-size keypad with an ADA compliant rollerball
to give easy access to computers.
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Review the phones in the home and their placement.
Large-numeral phones can help make dialing easier, or add phones with
programmable speed dial options with easy to read numbers. Consider
adding additional phones throughout the home with emergency speed
dial presets.
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