7 tips for senior safety at home

With Americans living longer, it's never too late to take steps to safeguard your home to prevent accidental falls that could cause serious injuries, especially to older adults.

For most people, being at home means feeling comfortable and safe—you are familiar with your surroundings and know how to get around the house easily, even in the dark. As you get older, however, you may naturally begin to lose some of that comfort level.

“When eyesight, hearing, agility strength and balance aren't quite what they used to be, taking a few simple steps can make your home safer and easier to navigate, as well as help you in an emergency,” says Yuan Shao, MD, a primary care physician who specializes in geriatrics.

One of the most important safety concerns is fall prevention. This is important at any age, but especially among seniors. Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older suffers a fall. Falls are among the leading causes of both fatal and nonfatal injuries such as debilitating hip fractures and severe head trauma.