Ageing in place: ensuring home safety and adaptations for the well-being of seniors

Abstract

Background: Ageing in place the preference of seniors to remain in their own homes rather than move to assisted living depends heavily on home safety and adaptability, with fall risk a major concern for older adults living independently.

Objective: To examine home safety considerations for seniors, focusing on fall risk and the role of home modifications and assistive technology in supporting safe, independent living.

Methods: A literature review of home safety principles and strategies for seniors was combined with a small-scale field assessment of five seniors (aged 70–85 years) in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, who had undergone home safety assessments using standardized tools, including the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool and the Fall Prevention Checklist. Assessments scored lighting, clutter, flooring condition, and handrail presence (1–10 each; total 1–40). Participants were surveyed on fall incidents in the preceding year, home modifications made (grab bars, non-slip flooring, lighting improvements), and use of assistive technology (wearable devices, smart home automation). Scores and fall incidents were reassessed after modifications.

Results: Baseline home safety scores ranged from 19 to 27 (of 40), with lower scores generally corresponding to more falls in the preceding year (0–3 per participant). After modifications and assistive technology adoption, safety scores improved for most participants (range 22–29), and reported fall incidents declined in four of five participants; one participant showed increased falls despite an improved score.

Conclusion: Home modifications and assistive technology use were associated with improved home safety scores and, in most cases, fewer falls among seniors ageing in place. Regular home safety assessments, individualized fall-prevention strategies, and caregiver education are supported, alongside further research into cases where safety improvements do not reduce fall risk.