Fall-Proofing Your Home

Articles

Jun 1

As aging continues, we all experience changes in our bodies which affect our abilities. Many people become caretakers for their parents as they age and lose the capability to conduct their lives as independently as they once did. One major concern for most elderly individuals is the potential for an accidental fall and resulting injury. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are attributed as the second most common reason for accidental injury and death across the globe. If an individual you love is over the age of 65, consider learning about how to prevent these tragic accidents from occurring in any measure possible, particularly if they continue to live alone or independently. There are many modifications you can make to a home to create a safer environment that could prevent falls.

Navigating the Home

As physical capabilities diminish, elderly individuals may be more likely to place things in easy to reach places or keep things on the floor for easier access. Although it may help in the immediate sense, it can build up around them and cause a lot of clutter. Navigating around the home with ease is very important to prevent a fall from happening. There should not be obstructions on the floor to allow an individual to trip and fall. This might include moving furniture to create clearer paths to the most used rooms or areas in the house, or it might include positioning furniture in a way to assist walking throughout the home.

In the most used areas, such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, the most used items should be handy and easily reached. This would include any food items in the pantry to be on lower shelves or drawers, pots and pans in bottom cabinets, or light switches and plugs on easily accessible levels. The idea is to prevent the use of a stool or reaching up too high to prevent a potential fall. One smart idea is to install automatic lighting under cabinets or throughout hallways. Having trouble navigating in the dark could lead to an accidental fall, which could be easily prevented with adequate lighting during the dark hours.

Maintaining Safe Flooring

Although tile or hardwood flooring is preferred in many households, it is simply more slippery and unsafe for seniors. For homes which feature hardwood or tile throughout all rooms, install non-slip rugs, runners, and carpeting to create a more stable surface for walking. Any rug or carpet installed should be difficult to move and should not bunch or fold on itself easily when walking across it. Sometimes seniors do not adequately pick up their feet while walking which could create a major risk of falling when combined with poorly stabilized rugs. Throw rugs in any space should either be removed or secured with a non-slip pad beneath them.

Electronics and Safety

In today’s world, we often have televisions, computers, phone chargers, and cords of all types winding from the wall to the device. Take particular notice of the position of all cords in the home. A phone or tablet charger should not be stretched from the wall over to the couch. Instead place a wireless charging pad near the plug or rearrange the furniture so the cord does not stretch across any space you might walk. For laptop computers and other electronics which might utilize an extension cord, be sure the cord is not stretched across the floor anywhere in the home. Keep all cords secured against the base of the wall with tape or hooks, or invest in a cord storage box to prevent them from being moved into a dangerous position.

Stairs and Multi-Level Homes

At times, your loved one may need to navigate stairs or steps to go about their daily routine. Although stairs can present a significant fall risk for those with limited mobility, there may not be an alternative. In this case, railings and non-slip strips should be installed wherever possible. This would include steps up to a front porch, stairs to the second floor or basement, or even a step up or down into a room. Installing simple railings on either side in these areas can help prevent a potential fall from occurring.

Additional Modifications for Safety

Grab bars can be used in other areas of the house where mobility is necessary, such as the shower or bathtub, or toilet. Non-slip strips can also be applied to the bottom of the shower or bathtub as well. Other considerations would include a way for your loved one to alert someone if they are in need of help. There are many devices which can be kept in areas throughout the house or even worn on the body that can be used to alert someone of a medical emergency.

It can be difficult to address these concerns with loved ones if they are resistant or denying the need for safety considerations. An occupational therapist is a great resource to help assess the need as well as receive professional advice for installing assistive equipment throughout the home. In addition, an occupational therapist can address the individual’s abilities and recommend other modifications to assist them in living as independently as possible. Safe strengthening exercises to suit the individual’s abilities or needs may help build skills such as balance and coordination. Creating a more stable and strong body offers an individual a better chance at preventing accidental injury.

Although sometimes an accidental fall cannot be prevented, we can take every measure possible try to ensure the safety of those we love. If you are concerned with home safety and fall prevention for someone in your life, consider reaching out to the team at Tilton’s Therapy. Our therapists can intervene and provide professional assistance in navigating this difficult adjustment of life.

Looking for additional resources regarding senior safety and health? We feature new topics every month to help individuals learn and assist the loved ones in their lives.