7 Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors in the Home
In a society where the elderly population is rising, falls in the home are becoming an increasingly common cause of injury in senior Australians.
With a staggering 94.8% of seniors living at home, and many of them living alone or with little assistance, the risk of falls is increased.
Falls among this demographic are also more likely because seniors can often have balance problems and take medications that make them dizzy or drowsy.
Safeguarding the home is one of the best ways to reduce the risk and prevent falls.
For many seniors, their homes may have hazards that they are not aware of that can increase the risk of injury and falls. Taking the time to review these areas can make the home safer for either yourself or your loved one.
1. Declutter the house
Help prevent a fall by removing clutter from around the house. Things such as loose rugs, coffee tables and piles of books can all pose risks. By packing items safely away and keeping the floors free from clutter, the risk of falling is reduced.
Conduct a risk factor assessment of each room by checking for loose cords and floor rugs including clutter. Break it down by focussing on one room at a time and always ask for help if you need it.
A cluttered house can also make it hard for seniors to move around their homes freely. Having too many items can mean they might have trouble getting help in the case of an emergency or injury.
2. Safe proof the bathroom
Bathrooms can be a significant area for slips and falls in the home. They are small, wet and have many items that pose risks for tripping.
Secure bathmats to the floor to prevent slipping and wipe up any spills as they happen. Creating a clutter free countertop helps stop items falling onto the floor. Keep these stored in cupboards and reduce the risk.
The elderly are more likely to have trouble getting up from the toilet or bathtub. By installing handrails where necessary you can make these areas safer. A shower seat or stool placed on a non-slip mat reduces the risk factors for a fall and is a safer option than having a bath.
3. Lighting risks
Older people are more likely to have trouble with their vision and by avoiding low lighting in the home you can reduce the risk of falls.
By replacing existing light bulbs with brighter LED light bulbs that use more watts, light will be increased, creating a safe home. You can brighten up dark corners with lamps, but ensure cords are safely out of the way and secured to the side of the wall.
Another thing to consider are light switches. Having switches accessible when you enter a room ensures that you are not walking through the dark to find the light and possibly taking a tumble.
Installing LED night lights down corridors can also help. Night-time waking becomes more common as we age, especially when bathroom trips are more frequent. Lighting up those dark hallways and corridors will reduce any risk of falling.
4. Preventing falls in the kitchen
The kitchen can become a dangerous place for falls in older people. However, by following a few simple steps you can significantly reduce the risk and make the kitchen safer.
One of the leading causes for falls in the kitchen is standing on a step or stool to reach for items that are high up. A better option is to place pantry items, plates, and glasses at eye level and below and keep your feet on the ground.
Kitchens can also be slippery when they become wet. Wipe up any spills as they happen and make sure that the floor is completely dry before walking on it after washing.
5. Secure cords and cables
Homes tend to have a lot of cables and cords for devices, lights, and electrical items. Having them loose and sticking out or running across the floor can increase the risk of falls. There are plenty of options available now to secure cords safely. Some of these can include cable ties and securing the cords to the wall or cable management boxes.
6. Wear shoes inside
As the weather cools down, reaching for a pair of socks to keep our feet warm is something we automatically do. However, socks pose a significant slipping risk. Pair them with floorboards, stairs and tiles and it is just the right mix for fall related injuries.
You can reduce the risk of slipping by wearing shoes inside that have a grip on the sole. Have a pair of shoes just for wearing inside or perhaps some slippers. If choosing slippers, make sure they have a proper sole with grip.
7. Don't move too quickly
As we age, our balance can also diminish, which increases the risk of falling. This can happen for various reasons, including medication and medical conditions. Take your time getting up and when sitting down and take your time. Should you need assistance with a cane or walker, have these next to you to help with your balance.
Physical activity and balance exercises can decrease the fear of falling. A physiotherapist can assist in putting together an exercise program to help build muscle and strength, which will also build confidence.
By making a few safety modifications you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is a safer environment for you and your loved ones.
Do you need assistance around the home? Reach out and make contact today to see how Caspian Care can help.