How to Prevent Falls at Home: Your Complete Guide
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors. This is because older adults have more fragile bones, and even the shortest of falls can have an awful outcome.
That's why making a home safe for seniors is of the utmost importance. Seniors should feel safe in their own home, and their loved ones should have peace of mind that they won't fall while home alone.
But how can you prevent falls at home for seniors? Keep reading to find out!
Remove Tripping Hazards
Tripping hazards can cause even the most observant and physically-abled person to fall at home. That's why it's vital to remove any tripping hazards including cords across the floor, furniture that juts out, and anything else that could be easily stumbled over.
Make sure the house is kept clean so there aren't any loose items that can become a tripping hazard. Our Elite caregivers will not only walk with your loved one around the house but will also help keep the home clean and free of loose debris.
For senior adults with dementia, it's important to get rid of easily-missed steps in the home. They can forget that a step is there and have a nasty fall. If possible, remove small steps and replace them with a flat surface.
Keep the Home Well-Lit
It's easy to trip over something or miss a step if the home is dark and poorly lit.
Make sure there's plenty of lighting around the house so the senior adult can see where they're walking and notice anything on the floor before an accident occurs.
Install Grab Bars and Stair Lifts
If your loved one has difficulty standing or walking, it's important to install grab bars and handrails around the house. You can install these in the shower, by the toilet, and throughout the house, so they have something to grab if they start to lose balance.
For seniors, it's best to live in a one-story home free of any steps or stairs. But if your loved one lives in a multi-story home, you need to install a stairlift for them to use. A fall down the stairs can be a fatal accident and a stairlift can prevent that from happening.
Use Non-Slip Surfaces
Falls in the shower and bathroom are extremely common for seniors. Make sure any wet surface has a non-slip cover to prevent a nasty fall.
You can also use rugs around the house on hardwood and tile to prevent slipping in the bathroom or kitchen.
Be Cautious and Prevent Falls at Home
When considering ways to prevent falls at home, remember to always be cautious and mindful of potential hazards. You can never be too safe when thinking of ways to prevent injuries for seniors.
If your loved one is at risk of falling while they are home alone, it may be time to hire an Elite Home Health Care professional. We have a staff full of skilled nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and the best caregivers in New York City. Be sure to give us a call to learn more about our services.
