Home Safety

Home Safety refers to products or the process of making changes to your environment to promote longevity and safety in your home environment.  Some suggestions may be an entry ramp, walk-in shower, and levered handles, etc.  Home Safety also rerefers to being safe in the home which can be personal safety and alibies to manage such Fall Prevention information, removing throw rugs, and life alert systems.

AARP Home Fit guide website

AARP Home Fit Guide-singles-062022 Printed guide in English.

AARP Home Fit Room Guide videos

Technology Examples:

1. Video Doorbell: This smart technology from Ring, and other providers, hooks into existing doorbells that enable a homeowner to see who comes to the door via a cell phone or computer.  This technology may be monitored by the elder or a support like a POA or family member.

2. Voice and Remote Thermostat: This tool (Google Nest, Amazon Smart Thermostat, and others) helps monitor thermostat functions including furnace and air conditioning by voice or by cell phone. This technology may be monitored by the elder or a support like a POA or family member.

3. Virtual Assistant: Amazon’s Echo or Google Home allows homeowners to control their home with their voice – locking doors, turning lights on and off, adjusting the thermostat or viewing camera feeds

4. Stove Fire Prevention Devices: These devices automatically shut off a stove if it is left unattended for a specific time. Devices like this are especially helpful for older adults living with dementia.

5. Home Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems could help family caregivers make sure their loved ones are safe and secure. To allow for independence, some systems do not require human intervention and have the ability to monitor even body temperature and sleep.

Articles:

Curious about smart home devices?  How to set up a connected, automated and secure smart home.

Home Safety for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide 2024  A guide on home safety for older adults published by the National Council on Aging.

Services:

Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) provides a number of services to support aging in place.  They have a durable medical equipment loan closest, Home Map services, and a dedicated staff available to assist you.