Older Adults’ Experiences, Worries and Preventive Measures Regarding Home Hazards: A Survey on Home Safety in Sweden

Abstract

Home safety is important for preventing injuries and accidents among older adults living at home. Feeling safe at home is also essential for older adults’ well-being. Thus, this study aimed to explore older adults’ perceptions of safety in their homes by examining their experiences, worries and preventive measures in relation to a range of potential home-based health and safety hazards. The study was a national cross-sectional telephone survey of 400 randomly selected adults over 70 years of age living at home in ordinary housing in Sweden. Participants were asked for their experience of, worry about, and preventive measures taken regarding fifteen home hazards. Data were also collected on background variables including age, health, and cohabitation status. Falls and stab/cut injuries were the most experienced hazards and worry was highest for burglary and falls, while preventive measures were most common for fire and burglary. While older adults’ experience and worry regarding home hazards were associated with preventive measures, these associations were not strong and other factors were associated with preventive behaviour. Further identification of the main determinants of older adults’ preventive behaviour can contribute to policy for effectively reducing home accidents.