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Home safety for older people

Information about home safety for older people and their families

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Home safety for older Victorians

RACV is committed to sharing advice and resources with Victorians of all ages, to help create safer living environments.

Here are some tips for older Victorians on how to prevent or minimise injuries in the home.

Home safety advice and tips

The following is general advice. 

As people get older, gradual physical changes can impact the way they move. When combined with hazards in the home, these physical changes can increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

People who have experienced a fall may develop fear or loss of confidence leading to reduced physical activity. This can further reduce strength and balance, increasing the risk of another fall. Additionally, underlying health conditions and side effects of some medications can also contribute to the risk of a fall.

According to the Victorian Department of Health:

  • 1 in 3 older people aged 65 or older experience a fall each year.
  • Falls account for almost three-quarters (72%) of injury-related hospital admissions in Victoria.
  • More than half of fall injuries that require hospitalisation occur in the home.

Everyone should think about reducing hazards around the home. Common hazards include:

  • poor lighting
  • ill-fitting footwear
  • slippery surfaces or spills
  • trip hazards such as rugs, floor mats and electrical cords
  • steps or uneven surfaces.

How to make a home safe for seniors

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Many simple changes can be made around the home to reduce the risk of falls or injuries.

Start by walking through your home and assessing potential risks. Ask friends or family to help – they might notice additional hazards.

Keep an eye out for the following.

Poor lighting or glare

Check that you have good lighting around the house, both inside and outside. Use a bedside lamp and night lights, and reduce sun glare by using blinds or curtains.

Slip hazards

Consider installing handrails in bathroom spaces, and use non-slip mats in wet areas and non-slip tape on step edges. Outside, clear fallen leaves, moss and other debris from paths, steps and driveways.

Clutter

Clear walkways of clutter, tape down rugs and electrical cords, remove frayed mats, apply contrast to step edges and glass doorways, attach draft excluders to doors, and check pavers or flooring for cracks.

Furniture stability and height

Make sure beds, chairs, tables and other furniture are stable and won’t tip over easily. Dressing tables, tallboys and shelving should be securely attached to the wall, and your bed height should make it easy to get in and out of.

Everyday hazards

Clean up spills straight away, wear supportive footwear and keep everyday items in easy-to-reach places.

Ladder and DIY safety

It’s great to be handy around the home and stay on top of maintenance jobs, but it’s important to stay safe. As we age, we can lose muscle strength and balance, which can impact our ability to perform household tasks that we used to be able to do.

According to the Victorian Department of Health, people aged 65 or older are more likely to suffer a serious injury from a ladder fall, and the risk of falling increases with age. Ladder falls can result in serious injuries and a long recovery time. Even a fall of one to 2 metres is enough to cause serious injury.

No matter your age, be honest with yourself about your skill or physical ability. Using a ladder may be unsafe if you’ve previously had a fall, or if you have health conditions that impact your balance or vision.

Delay a task if necessary, and consider seeking help from a friend, family member or professional.

Ladder safety tips for seniors

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Do

  • Use a safe, sturdy ladder that meets Australian Standards, and is in good working order
  • Follow the ladder safety directions
  • Use safety locks and braces
  • Position the ladder on a firm, dry surface
  • Use a ladder with the right height and weight rating for the job
  • Wear enclosed and slip-resistant shoes
  • Face the ladder and always maintain 3 points of contact by holding the ladder with both hands
  • Work within arm’s reach and avoid leaning away from the ladder
  • Ensure someone is home while you’re using a ladder and have them hold the ladder while you climb

Don’t

  • Don’t place the ladder on another object
  • Don’t position the ladder on a surface that is slippery or wet

  • Wear protective equipment and clothing
  • Avoid lifting heavy equipment, and seek help if necessary
  • Use appropriate tradespeople for electrical and plumbing work
  • Know how to use your power tools, read the manual and seek help from a tradesperson if necessary

Supporting older family members

Discussing home safety with older family members can be challenging.

Here are some ways to respectfully bring up this sensitive topic:

  • Recognise that older family members may be hesitant to talk about home safety or their physical limitations.
  • Approach the subject with empathy.
  • Choose a time when you’re both relaxed and in a private environment.
  • Start with small and simple suggestions, such as getting more help around the home.
  • Be open-minded, listen to their views and try to see things from their perspective.
  • Don’t push the conversation if they’re resistant.
  • Focus on solutions and compromise, and don’t apply pressure.
  • Involve other family members to get their views and ideas, and come up with solutions together.
  • Discuss whether a healthcare professional should be consulted.

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