For many older adults, one of the most likely places for a medical emergency is their own home. Although myriad accidents occur at the home, older adults are especially susceptible to accidents like falling. According to the National Council on Aging, 60% of the instances in which an older adult falls occur within their home.

As of right now, one-fourth of all Americans 65 years and older fall each year, and unfortunately, this number may rise as the baby boomer generation, the largest generation of Americans yet, ages past 65 years old. That is, unless, older adults take the proper precautions to improve their safety and quality of life.

This should include prevention tactics not just for falls, but other medical emergencies. The 21st century has brought with it a long list of new devices and tools to increase home safety, and older adults can use these tools to create a better living environment.

Home Alarm Systems

Home alarm systems have many benefits, and one of the most important benefits is peace of mind. These systems help older adults, especially those who live independently to feel as safe as possible within their own homes.

Some popular home alarm systems include:

• SimpliSafe: This system offers professional monitoring and doesn’t require a landline. Users do not need to sign a contract, and simply pay a monthly fee to use the system. This system is built to be easy to install yourself, but the company also offers installation services.
• ADT: ADT has been a prominent home security provider for decades, and they have built a reputation for high-quality home alarm systems. Users can utilize touchscreen systems and mobile apps if they want, however, ADT also offers more low-tech control panels for older adults who do not have smartphones or are uncomfortable with technology.
• Ring: Ring provides users with video surveillance. Their most basic plan provides a video feed on the user’s front door and costs as little as three dollars per month. It is also recognized as the easiest home security system for older adults.

Home alarm systems can protect older adults from home invasions, fires, and other dangerous situations. They can provide older adults, and their family members, with a sense of safety and security.

Home Tech Devices

Every year, new technological advancements are made and offered to the public. With these advancements come new tools that can provide medical benefits for older adults. These tools include:

• Voice-activated tools: Programs such as Amazon Alexa can provide a wide range of supportive actions for older adults. Users can ask Alexa to play music or tell a joke to improve their mood and mental health. They can also ask Alexa to call a loved one or emergency services during accidents.
• Robotic vacuums: As people age, they often struggle with mobility. Limited mobility can affect someone’s ability to keep their home clean and safe. Robotic vacuums can remove dirt and debris from the user’s floor without them having stand, walk, or operate a vacuum — therefore reducing opportunities to fall.
• Smart pet feeders: Animals have been shown to provide benefits for people’s mental and physical health, but it can be hard for older adults to manage all of the tasks associated with pet ownership. Smart pet feeders release specific amounts of food at certain times of day to keep pets happy and healthy.

Each of these tools can help provide assistance to older adults and ease the burden of certain daily tasks. By making the most of modern technology, older adults can create a better home environment for aging in place.

Medical Safety Gear

There is a wide range of medical safety gear that can help older adults improve their day-to-day lives. These devices include, but are not limited to:

• An alert safety button: An alert button, which can either be worn around the neck as a necklace or carried on a keychain, can be pushed in case of an emergency to alert first responders that you have fallen or are hurt in some way.
• Handrails: These are commonly installed in bathrooms, but they can be installed around your house to provide extra safety and stability.
• Adjustable beds: Adjustable beds can improve your comfort and reduce back pain.

Each of these tools helps to create a safer living environment for older adults so that they can live their lives to the fullest.

Mobile Safety Apps

If you have a smartphone, then you can take steps to improve your health and safety with the push of a button. There are apps for everything, including apps for improving older adult health and safety. These apps include:

• Red Panic Button: With this app, you can create a list of contacts who will receive a message and information about your location in the event of an emergency.
• Senior Safety: This app is well-suited for older adults who have a caregiver. It provides location monitoring, fall alerts, messaging, and low battery alerts.
• Lively: The Lively app provides a connection to emergency services, telehealth services, and messaging to families and caregivers. This company creates a variety of older adult-friendly tools, including the Jitterbug phone.

Each of these apps can help older adults to stay safe at home and out in the world. They also allow older adults to better connect with caregivers and loved ones in the event of an emergency.

Safety Ramps

When evaluating the safety of your home, it is important to factor in your mobility. For adults with limited mobility, installing safety ramps can improve the overall safety of the home and reduce the risk of falling.

Ramps can be placed all over your home. Threshold ramps allow easy access through your front door, and modular wheelchair ramps can be assembled to fit in a variety of spaces. These ramps give older adults with limited mobility the freedom to move independently around their own homes.

Tips for Choosing the Best Home Safety Devices

Choosing the right home safety devices can greatly improve your quality of life. There are many ways to go about choosing the right devices for your home, and some top tips include:

• Identify your priorities: When choosing home safety devices, it is important to know your priorities. For example, if you enjoy traveling and leaving the house often, then portability is a priority for you when purchasing wheelchair ramps or choosing apps for your phone.
• Know your budget: Take an afternoon to assess how much money you can invest in home safety devices. Once you have a budget set, you can begin to look at options within your price range.
• Research your options: Not every option is suitable for every person. Once you have identified the devices you want to purchase, do some research to determine what brand or model of device that is best for you. For example, when purchasing a threshold ramp, you will need to know the weight capacity and size.

By taking your time and choosing devices that best fit your needs, you can use these home safety devices to improve your quality of life and overall safety.