Types of Hazards in the Homes of Elderly People

Abstract

This study describes the type and range of hazards found in the homes of elderly persons (n=257) referred to the occupational therapy department of a city teaching hospital. Homes were assessed using an abbreviated version of the Westmead Home Safety Assessment. The most commonly found hazards were in internal traffic ways (48%), the bathroom (40%), and access areas to and from the home (38%). Hazardous mats, pathways, and bathroom and toilet floor surfaces were the most commonly found individual hazards. Mildly cognitively impaired persons were found to have increased exposure to hazards in traffic ways; women were found to have more bed light hazards and people living with others were more likely to have a pet that may pose a risk of the elderly person falling. Otherwise, characteristics of people were generally not found to be associated with increased exposure to any particular type of hazard. We recommend further and more detailed investigation of home hazards, including in the homes of the well elderly.