Senior Safety Pressure Washing Tips
A simple guide to keeping seniors safe from falling hazards at home — starting with the slippery, algae-covered surfaces outside.
Cleaning up mom and dad’s house can genuinely protect their health. According to the CDC, approximately 36 million falls are reported each year among adults, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. Every year over 3 million elderly adults are treated for a fall injury, and over 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. For adults over 85, falls are the number one cause of injury-related death — and the Consumer Product Safety Commission attributes more than 2 million fall injuries a year to floors and flooring surfaces.
What makes falls more likely?
Most fall injuries at home happen at ground level: clutter, unlevel floors, throw rugs and plain missteps, compounded by poor eyesight, loss of balance and medication drowsiness. Declutter the indoor living space first — then look outside. Spring brings everyone outdoors onto that slippery-looking deck.
Cutting down the outdoor risks
- Remove clutter from stoops, patios, decks, and walkways. Old flower pots, sticks and leaves all mean less work and fewer trip hazards.
- Fix the surfaces. Level loose pavers, bricks and decking boards; fill holes in the lawn; remove loose rocks. A local handyman can help — and many local governments have free senior handyman programs.
- Clear the paths. Decks with flower pots, loose hoses and slippery algae should be straightened up and treated.
Can washing really make surfaces safer?
Yes. Power washing and soft washing are the fastest way to de-slick mossy pavers, green decks, and natural stone patios — blue stone in particular becomes dangerously slippery. Pressure washing makes a huge visual difference, but the soft wash post-treatment is what kills the unseen algae that makes surfaces slick. Sealing pavers after cleaning is the longest-lasting way to keep dirt, water and algae at bay.
Don’t forget the joints
If washing blew out old joint sand, install new polymeric sand to stabilize the stones. Unstable pavers shift and become uneven — increasing the chance of a trip and fall. Sealing locks the sand in place and keeps the surface clean the longest.
Preventative maintenance for elderly parents is a meaningful gift. Bring the family over and straighten up — and if you don’t have time to wash the slippery surfaces yourself, call a professional who can make quick work of it.