1. Guard Against Scams and Intruders
Make sure your loved one keeps windows and doors locked, and never lets strangers into the home when they're alone. Encourage them to talk over any phone offer with a trusted friend or family member before acting, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers. A little caution here prevents both break-ins and the financial scams that increasingly target older adults.
2. Keep Emergency Numbers Within Reach
Post a list of emergency numbers by every phone, written in large, easy-to-read print. Include:
- 911
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- A family member or friend to call in an emergency
- Their doctor's office
3. Reduce the Risk of Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, so a few basics belong on any home-safety list: keep hallways, stairs, and pathways well-lit and clutter-free, use handrails on stairs, and secure or remove loose rugs. Non-slip footwear helps, and a wearable alarm device can summon help if your loved one falls and can't reach a phone.
Because fall prevention is such a big topic, we've covered it room by room in a separate guide. See Fall Prevention at Home: A Room-by-Room Safety Guide for the full walkthrough.
4. Prevent Fire and Electrical Dangers
- Install smoke detectors and change the batteries twice a year.
- Familiarize your loved one with at least two exits from the home.
- Avoid loose clothing or long sleeves while cooking.
- Replace appliances with damaged or frayed cords, and don't overload outlets.
- Never smoke in bed or leave candles burning unattended.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable, and turn them off when leaving the room.
In a fire, the rule is simple: don't try to put it out. Leave immediately and call 911.
5. Make the Bathroom Safer
- Set the water heater to no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding.
- Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet, and place rubber mats in the tub.
- If getting in and out of the tub or on and off the toilet is difficult, consider a tub chair, transfer bench, or raised toilet seat.
6. Prevent Poisoning
Carbon monoxide. Never use a stove, oven, or grill to heat the home — they can release carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless gas. Put a carbon monoxide detector near every bedroom and test the batteries twice a year.
Medications. Keep all medications in their original containers to avoid mix-ups. Ask the pharmacist for large-print labels, take medications in a well-lit room, and bring everything to doctor's appointments for review.
Cleaning products. Never mix cleaners like bleach and ammonia, which can create toxic fumes. Use each product only as directed.
7. Support Independence, Not Just Safety
Safety and independence aren't opposites — the goal is to protect your loved one's wellbeing while helping them stay active and engaged. A few things that make a real difference:
- Modify the home to fit their needs. Grab bars, better lighting, and other changes let them stay in the home they love. For bigger changes like ramps, widened doorways, or a walk-in shower, see our guide to home safety modifications.
- Keep them moving. Walks, chair exercises, and gentle activity protect strength and balance, which keeps them safer too.
- Make a mobility plan. If your loved one no longer drives, sort out how they'll get around — carpooling, walking, or transit — so they can stay active and connected.
- Keep the mind engaged. Puzzles, games, hobbies, and time with family keep them sharp and alert, which matters for safety when they're on their own.
- Offer choices. As changes pile up with age, letting your loved one make their own decisions — even small ones — helps them feel in control of their life.
The best thing you can do is plan ahead: not just safety fixes, but a routine that keeps mind and body healthy. With the right support, your loved one can enjoy a safe home and a full, independent life in it.
Worried about a loved one's safety at home? We'd be glad to connect you with a caregiver who can help them stay safe, steady, and independent. Find a caregiver near you or call (888) 321-4711.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Please talk with a doctor about your loved one's specific needs.
1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.
