Falls are the leading cause of injury among people 65 and older, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. As people get older, their bones get more fragile and a fall can lead to fractures which could take a long time to heal. Making sure that your senior is safe from the risk if falls is important.
Tips for senior fall prevention at home
- Keep furniture to a minimum
Make sure that the space that your senior uses is not cluttered with furniture. Keep the layout simple so that they can move around easily. Try not to move the furniture around and if you do, ensure that the senior gets used to the new layout. - Keep the floors dry
Make sure that spills are wiped up immediately. Ensure that your elder is safely out of the way when the floor is being mopped or at the very least inform them when you are mopping to be careful. - Bathroom safety
The bathroom is one of the most fall prone areas for the elderly. It is important to make sure that the bathroom floor is dry at all times. Anti slip mats should be placed in front of the basin, near the toilet and in the bathing area. It is better to have a seating arrangement for the elder to bathe. Make sure that there is support on the walls. - Kitchen safety
Discourage the senior from climbing on stools to reach for things in the kitchen. If possible store the things that they may need, on lower shelves. Put anti slip mats in front of the sink. - Appropriate footwear
Sturdy shoes with rubber soles that fit properly should be worn. They should avoid wearing flip flops, slippers, high heels and backless shoes. Even bare feet or socks can lead to slips and falls. - Assistive Devices
Installing handrails around the house will be useful for the elderly. If your house has levels, try to install a ramp over stairs. Have torches in easily accessible places. Have canes or other support devices that they may need readily available. - Enhance the lighting
Make sure that all the areas that the senior uses are well lit. Use bright lights and not dim lights to light up the spaces. Install lights alongside floor down dark corridors and stairs to better light up the area.Senior falls often require hospital admission, a long recovery and rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to minimize the risk of falls.
