Home protection for the elderly

It’s probably fair to say that most people feel at their safest whilst at home. It’s a place where you can go and shut yourself away from the world for a while and properly relax; because if all the usual dangers that are inherent in much of society are out of sight, then they are almost certainly out of mind too.

However, it’s estimated that as many as three million hospital visits are made each year due to accidents in the home, with around three thousand of them proving fatal. And, whilst it may seem logical to assume that most of these accidents are due to reckless human activity, recent research has suggested that a lot of accidents could be prevented if the house itself, was designed better.

For example, not all homes have secure handrails attached to their staircase and this is thought to double the likelihood of somebody having a nasty fall. Also, by limiting openings in balconies, stairs or windows to ten centimetres, this would help to prevent countless accidents involving small children. Furthermore, those over the age of 75 are considered to be at higher risk of falling victim to an accident in the home, with frailty and failing health meaning they are perhaps slower to assess a potentially risky situation.

But, there are simple design features that could be taken into account when assessing health and safety in any home environment. As it goes, a large proportion of accidents occur whilst getting out of the bath or shower for instance, so adding a simple hand-bar would help to prevent such falls in this situation.

Also, there are many fire-related accidents each year that could be easily prevented. Cookers, candles, coal fires and electric blankets are among the main causes of fires in the home; but by fitting fireguards, smoke alarms and also ensuring none of the equipment is being used incorrectly, then many of these accidents could be averted. Similarly, older people may be more susceptible to factors out with their control such as burglaries, which is why it may make sense to have some intruder alarms installed that will automatically notify the police should there be any unexpected visitors in the middle of the night.

But even if no harm ever comes to the elderly person themselves, there is always the danger of financially debilitating accidents happening either to the house itself, or to personal valuables.

Indeed, at the very least it’s worth requesting a UK home insurance quote to consider how, by spending just a little bit of money each month, a lot of money could be saved in the long-run should an unfortunate accident occur. And this, ultimately, should ensure a drama isn’t turned into a crisis.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.