Keep aging loved ones safe, healthy and protected without overspending with these free and nearly-free safety fixes.

Many of us have elderly parents, relatives or friends who we are either directly responsible for or who we try to help out whenever possible.

Keeping the elderly safe and secure doesn’t have to cost a whole lot. Often, simple little fixes can go a long way toward keeping them safe, healthy and protected. Here are 12 free and almost-free ways to protect elderly loved ones.

1. Help them pick up their house.

Falls are the number one cause of accidental death and injury for the elderly. Something as simple as removing a loose throw rug, moving an extension cord out of the way or storing piles of magazines in an out-of-the-way corner can significantly reduce senior falls.

2. Make simple repairs.

Broken stair risers, wobbly handrails, the old recliner with a severe lean, or anything that could cause a slip or fall should be fixed as soon as possible.

Related: 7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

3. Make sure all safety items are in working order.

Test the smoke detector and add fresh batteries if needed, ensure the fire extinguisher is fully charged, and change burned-out lights to create the safest possible environment.

Related: Retirement Spending on Safety a Good Investment

4. Install grab bars if needed, especially by the toilet, bathtub and maybe the bed.

These are inexpensive devices that can help prevent falls. One local program in our community provides these free of charge and even installs them!

Related: Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Aging in Place

5. Review their medication with them and their doctor at least every year.

Some medications can have side effects that can cause dizziness or loss of balance. Other medications can have side effects when used with certain other medications. Be sure the elderly person is aware of these possibilities.

Over-medication is another problem that can be helped, in part, by sorting their medications into inexpensive daily pillboxes that are sold at drug stores.

6. Encourage exercise!

Studies have shown that simple strength and balance exercises can significantly lessen the possibility of falls.

Senior exercise classes are available at local park department gyms and senior centers. Senior exercise programs can also be found online.

Related: Special Fitness Deal for Those Over 65

7. Make sure their home is secure.

Install solid door locks and a “peephole” on the front door. Take their name off of their mailbox as shysters have been known to address the elderly person by their name found on their mailbox to gain entrance into their homes.

Also, leave a generic message on the answering machine as opposed to the frail voice of an elderly person to discourage telemarketers.

Related:

• Protecting Elderly Parents From Scams
• 18 Affordable Anti-Theft Tips To Keep Burglars Out of Your Home

8. Make sure they can see clearly.

Encourage them to have their vision checked and install nightlights if they need to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom; the inability to see clearly is another cause of falls.

9. Encourage them to keep up their social life.

Research shows that a healthy social life can benefit senior health and longevity.

Check into local senior programs, senior volunteer programs and senior activities offered by local parks departments.

Related: Addressing Concerns for a Non-Social Parent Aging Alone

10. Make sure they are protected financially.

This may be a touchy subject b,ut reviewing their bills, insurance coverages and investments is an excellent way to head off fraud or over-billing.

One elderly lady was still paying each month to rent her phone from the local phone company, which was something that had cost a lot of money and had not been required for decades!

Also, be sure to have them review their credit report, which is available free of charge on an annual basis.

Related:

• How To Ease Into Helping Elderly Parents With Their Finances
• 5 Ways To Help Your Parents With Their Finances

11. Check on them frequently.

A phone call works, but better yet, check in on them in person to ensure things are going well.

If they are prone to falling, have them wear a medic alert device.

12. Review their future plans.

Discuss (obviously tactfully) their Will, when they should stop driving, a plan for when they will need assisted living and, if possible, their funeral plans.

Talking about these sensitive issues beforehand can alleviate a lot of drama and grief at the time when these plans become necessary.

Obviously, each of these tips should be approached with care and respect. The bottom line is to protect the elderly as much as possible without being overbearing and encroaching on their freedom.

Related Articles

• Helping Aging Parents Live Independently
• 5 Ways To Prevent Elderly Relatives From Throwing Away Money
• How a Con Man Targets and Takes Advantage of the Elderly
• 5 Ways To Reduce Resistance When Helping Aging Parents With Finances
• Strategies for When a Parent Refuses an Assisted Living Facility

Reviewed October 2023