Safety & Security

Feeling safe is an essential part of living independently. This category explores ways older adults can protect themselves at home, in the community, and online through practical safety strategies and assistive technologies. Topics include emergency preparedness, personal emergency alarms, medication safety, scam awareness, home security, and more. You’ll find expert guidance to help reduce risks while supporting confidence and peace of mind. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for everyday safety tips, these resources are here to help.

How to Talk About Safety Without Taking Away an Older Parent’s Independence

Caregiving & Support, Independent Living, Safety & Security

You notice that your parent has become less steady on the stairs. They have missed a few doses of medication, left the stove on or stopped driving at night because their vision is not as clear as it once was. You want to help, but every attempt to discuss safety ends the same way: “I’m

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Returning to Outdoor Activities Safely After a Less Active Winter

Falls Prevention & Mobility, Healthy Ageing, Independent Living, Safety & Security

The arrival of spring often brings a welcome change. The days become longer, the weather begins to warm and gardens, walking tracks and community spaces feel inviting again. For older Australians who have spent more time indoors during winter, spring can provide the motivation to return to walking, gardening, shopping, social outings and other outdoor

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Why Simplicity Matters More Than Features in Assistive Technology: A Guide for Occupational Therapists

Caregiving & Support, Independent Living, Safety & Security, Technology for Seniors

Assistive technology is often compared by looking at features. Does the device have GPS? Automatic fall detection? Voice activation? Remote monitoring? A mobile app? Medication reminders? Multiple contact options? These features may all have value. However, a long list of capabilities does not necessarily make a product more suitable for the person who will use

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Preventing the Next Fall Starts Before the First One

Falls Prevention & Mobility, Healthy Ageing, Safety & Security

Fall prevention often begins too late. An older adult falls in the bathroom, trips on a step or loses their balance outdoors. Only then does everyone start checking the home, reviewing medications and asking whether their strength or vision has changed. But the best time to reduce fall risk is before the first fall happens.

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A Spring Home Safety Check for Older Adults and Their Families

Caregiving & Support, Falls Prevention & Mobility, Independent Living, Safety & Security

Spring is a natural time to open the windows, clear out clutter and catch up on jobs that may have been put off during winter. It is also a good opportunity to look around the home for small safety problems that have gradually become part of the surroundings. A loose mat, dim hallway or uneven

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What to Do After a Near Fall: A Practical Plan for Older Adults and Families

Falls Prevention & Mobility, Healthy Ageing, Safety & Security

A foot catches on the edge of a rug. A knee suddenly gives way. You feel dizzy after standing up and grab a chair just in time. You did not fall, so it may be tempting to carry on and forget about it. However, a near fall can provide an important opportunity to identify a

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Staying Connected During Winter: How Regular Contact Supports Older People Living Alone

Caregiving & Support, Healthy Ageing, Independent Living, Safety & Security

Winter can be an isolating time for older people living alone. Cold weather, rain and shorter daylight hours may make it harder to attend social activities, visit friends or complete everyday errands. Family members may also assume an older relative is staying safely at home without realising how little contact they have had with other

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Winter Safety at Home: Simple Ways Older Australians Can Reduce Everyday Risks

Falls Prevention & Mobility, Independent Living, Safety & Security

Winter can make home feel like the safest place to be. However, colder temperatures, wet pathways, reduced daylight and extra electrical cords can introduce risks that may not be present during the warmer months. For older Australians, even a small slip or a short period without adequate heating can have serious consequences. This does not

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Common Reasons Older Adults Reject Safety Devices—and How Occupational Therapists Can Help

Caregiving & Support, Independent Living, Safety & Security, Technology for Seniors

A personal alarm sits unopened on the kitchen bench. An emergency watch stays in its box. A pendant is tucked away in a drawer after only a few days of use. For many Occupational Therapists, these situations are familiar. Despite careful assessments and well-considered recommendations, some clients choose not to use the very devices designed

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How Occupational Therapists Can Introduce Personal Alarms Without Creating Client Resistance

Home Care, Independent Living, Safety & Security, Technology for Seniors

For many Occupational Therapists, recommending a personal alarm is a straightforward clinical decision. The client may have an increased falls risk, live alone, or benefit from faster access to assistance during an emergency. Yet despite the clear benefits, some clients hesitate—or agree initially but never use the device consistently. The challenge is often not the

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Understanding Why Clients Resist Assistive Technology: Insights for Occupational Therapists

Home Care, Independent Living, Safety & Security, Technology for Seniors

Recommending assistive technology is rarely the most challenging part of an Occupational Therapist’s role. More often, the challenge begins after the recommendation has been made. Many Occupational Therapists have experienced situations where a client initially agrees to use a personal alarm, emergency watch, or other assistive technology, only for the device to remain unused weeks

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