Everyday Safety Tips for Older Adults: Staying Safe at Home and During the Summer Heat

Staying healthy and independent often starts with the small things you do each day. From making your home safer to preparing for hot weather, simple habits can help protect your health and lower everyday risks.

As a primary care provider, my goal is to help you stay active, healthy, and independent. By following simple steps at home and doing smart preparation for warmer weather, you can help protect your health year-round.

Create a safer home environment

Your home should help you stay independent and not increase your chance of getting hurt. Taking just a few minutes to look for common hazards can make a big difference.

1. Reduce fall risks

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, but many are preventable. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year, but many falls can be prevented through healthy habits and simple home changes.

Try these simple steps:

• Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter from walkways
• Keep hallways and stairways well lit
• Rearrange furniture to create clear walking paths
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs
• Wear supportive shoes with non-slip soles
• Avoid walking in socks on slippery floors

2. Improve lighting throughout your home

Good lighting helps you see hazards before they become a problem. Here are a few ways to improve lighting in your home:

• Place nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
• Keep light switches easy to reach
• Use brighter bulbs in commonly used areas
• Make sure entryways and outdoor steps stay well lit

3. Review fire and emergency safety

Home safety also includes being prepared for emergencies. Remember to:

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed
• Avoid plugging too many items into one outlet
• Keep emergency phone numbers in an easy-to-find place
• Have a plan for power outages or urgent situations

Some home safety reminders often shared during holiday seasons such as checking electrical cords and avoiding overloaded outlets are important habits all year long.

Medication safety matters too

Many adults take several medications, and staying organized can help prevent mistakes and keep you healthy. Missing doses or getting confused about medicines can lead to serious health problems. Consider using one of the following tips:

• Keep an updated list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Use a pill organizer
• Set reminders on your phone or calendar
• Bring your medication list (or the medication bottles) to all your medical appointments
• Never take medications prescribed for someone else

Regularly checking your medicines with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) can help make sure your care plan still fits your needs.

Stay safe during hot weather

Along with healthy daily habits, warmer weather can bring additional safety concerns. Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable. Older adults can be more sensitive to high temperatures, especially if they have ongoing health problems or take certain medications.

Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly, but there are ways to lower your risk. Adults aged 65 and older are at greater risk because the body becomes less efficient at adjusting to changes in temperature as we age. That is why it is so important to know the warning signs, such as:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Weakness or feeling more tired than usual
• Confusion

These symptoms may be early signs that your body is getting too hot. To help prevent heat-related illnesses, remember to:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day. Even if you do not feel thirsty, staying hydrated is important during hot weather. If you have a fluid restriction, follow your doctor or APP’s guidance for how much to drink during hot weather.
• Spend less time outside during the hottest hours
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. This can also help prevent sunburn. Remember to reapply often.
• Use fans or air conditioning when possible
• Shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water
• Take breaks in cool places if you spend time outdoors
• Ask family, friends or neighbors to check in with you during heat waves

Your safety does not require big changes. Small actions, like those above, can make a big difference over time. If you have questions about your health, medications, movement, or just want to discuss ways to stay safer at home, talk with your primary care doctor or APP. Together, you can create a plan that supports your goals and helps you stay healthy and independent.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

To schedule an appointment with physician assistant Annie Kasam, please contact Village Medical - Memorial Clinical Associates at 713-407-3000 or visit us at 16001 Park Ten Pl., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77084. We look forward to caring for you and supporting your health every step of the way.