As people age their risk of falls increases, which can lead to serious injury and hospitalization. Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, sending approximately 3 million to the hospital for treatment each year. We gathered 5 of our favorite tips for fall proofing your home to keep you and your loved ones safe.
In this post we are going to cover different fall risks and five tips for fall proofing your elder’s home.
Five Tips for Fall Proofing your Elder’s Home
1. Remove Tripping Hazards
Eliminate tripping hazards like loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords throughout walkways. Make sure that floors are clear and easy to navigate with plenty of walking space. In areas that can become wet like the bathroom or kitchen, install non-slip flooring or applicable non-slip shoes. Ensuring your significant elder has comfortable non-slip house shoes can eliminate many of the falls elders experience.
2. Ensure Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial for preventing falls. Install brighter bulbs or add lamps in dimly lit areas. In hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms, install automatic nightlights to make it easier to navigate the home at night.
3. Install Handrails
Install grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet to provide support and stability. Similarly, ensure the stairwells have handrails on both sides of the stairs to help your loved one safely navigate them.
4. Arrange Furniture Strategically
Rearrange furniture to create clear walking paths and make sure chairs and tables are at a safe distance from each other. Ensure your loved ones bed is at a height that’s easy to get in and out of, and install bed rails if necessary.
5. Consider Assistive Devices
Consider using assistive devices like a cane or walker to help your loved one maintain balance and stability. In the case of falls, consider having a medical alert system like Life Alert to allow your loved one to get help quickly. Talk to a physical therapist or their primary doctor about what devices may be most helpful for your loved one’s individual needs.
Fall proofing a home can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to keep your loved one safe and prevent falls. Start with these five tips, and continue to evaluate your loved one’s home for additional safety hazards. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact your primary care physician or reach out to Miracle Home Care.
Interested in what home care can provide for you? Please give Miracle Home Care a call at 316-448-2614 today and schedule your FREE in-home consultation!
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