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Falls are dangerous for seniors, especially if they’re still living on their own. These accidents are incredibly common and can cause injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and even death, depending on the circumstances. Those who survive falls often become less mobile and require assistance or nursing care.

It’s vital for caretakers to take the necessary precautions and create a safe home environment to reduce their risk of falling. Making small changes in your loved one’s home can greatly reduce the risk of falls for those 65 years and older. This article provides some tips on how to create a home that reduces fall risk for seniors and helps keep them safe.

Areas With the Greatest Fall Risk in the Home

When addressing fall risk in the average home, two main areas are more prone to these accidents than others: bathrooms and stairways. In the bathroom, slippery surfaces such as tiles and wet floors pose a greater risk of falling. Stairways also pose a risk as seniors may not have enough strength or balance to properly ascend or descend them. Other areas, such as bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms, can also pose a risk if they have poor lighting or obstacles that can cause tripping. Therefore, it’s important to take special precautions in all these areas to ensure senior safety.

The Dos and Don’ts of Fall Prevention for Seniors

Once you acknowledge that fall dangers can be anywhere in the home, you must know what to do and what not to do when mitigating them. We’ve compiled this list of dos and don’ts to aid you in your household upgrades and ensure you’re setting your loved one up for success.

The Dos

Provide Proper Lighting and Eliminate Hazards

Many falls occur as a result of unseen trip hazards. Therefore, a well-lit environment can significantly decrease the risk of falls. Consider installing motion-sensor or night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other commonly used areas to improve visibility and make it easier to avoid tripping. Additionally, reduce or eliminate hazards, such as clutter or loose rugs, that may be strewn about the space. This way, there’s less in your loved one’s path for them to trip on.

Arrange Household Furniture Strategically

Thoughtfully arranging household furniture can also lower the risk of falls for seniors. Adjust the layout to create clear pathways throughout the home and minimize obstacles. Additionally, areas where people tend to gather, such as the living room and kitchen, should provide ample space for movement. Whenever possible, it’s also a good idea to place furniture close enough to walls so seniors can use them as support when needed.

Install Handrails and Other Support Equipment

Installing handrails and other support equipment can be a great help as well. Handrails provide an extra layer of security, especially when used in bathrooms, stairways, hallways, and other areas prone to falls. They help seniors maintain their balance and stability as they move around the home. Additionally, support equipment such as shower chairs and raised toilet seats aid in getting up and down from a sitting position and using the bathroom safely.

Regularly Check for Potential Fall Hazards

Even after you’ve made the above changes, remember to regularly check the home for new fall hazards. Homes aren’t stagnant environments. In fact, new items enter and exit these spaces every day, and the act of living in these areas can leave behind new clutter that might not have been there yesterday. So, it’s crucial to look back over the rooms and remove any new trip hazards you come across. Make sure to also use this time to ensure that all handrails and support equipment are secure and in good working order.

The Don’ts

Ignore the Need for Assistive Devices

Making your home a safer place for seniors isn’t just about the changes you make to the environment itself. For some older individuals, assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can provide the additional support necessary to prevent falls. Encourage using these devices when appropriate and consult with a health-care professional on selecting the best fit for the individual’s needs.

Neglect Footwear Choices

Improper footwear can drastically increase the risk of falls for seniors. Make sure that your loved one is wearing proper, non-slip shoes that fit comfortably and securely on their feet. High heels, slippers, or shoes with worn treads make maintaining balance difficult, so opt for sensible footwear options.

Disregard the Importance of Communication

Finally, make sure that you keep communication open. The risk of falls can increase with a lack of awareness and communication. Therefore, it’s crucial to encourage your loved one to share their fears or worries about falling and actively discuss ways to minimize risks in their living environment. This open line of communication is crucial in building trust and ensuring they feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Additional Tips for Preventing Falls

Creating a home that reduces fall risk for seniors is an involved process that requires regular assessment and improvement of the environment. For that reason, the work is never done, even when it comes to your loved one’s overall health. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind to help reduce their risk of falling in the home.

Prioritize Regular Exercise

Regular exercise builds and maintains strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination—all crucial elements for preventing falls. Seniors should consult with a health-care professional to determine which exercises are appropriate and safe for their unique needs. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or tai chi can not only improve physical health but also promote mental well-being and awareness.

Manage Medications and Health Conditions

It’s vital that seniors take their medications as prescribed and stay on top of any health conditions that could contribute to an increased risk of falls. For example, conditions like osteoporosis can weaken bones, making fractures more likely in the event of a fall. By working with health-care providers, seniors and caregivers can manage these conditions and minimize their impact.

Perform Frequent Vision and Hearing Checks

Vision and hearing play pivotal roles in maintaining balance and spatial awareness. Schedule regular check-ups for eye and ear health with health-care professionals. Ignoring these senses can make it difficult for seniors to stay on their feet and feel confident in their surroundings.

Ensuring a home environment reduces fall risk for seniors is essential in helping them lead safe and independent lives. That’s why we at Hart Medical Equipment work hard to provide a complete collection of products that can mitigate the dangers. From our selection of bathroom safety equipment to versatile and stable handrails, we carry it all so that you have the means to turn the home into a safe sanctuary. Ultimately, these steps can give seniors the freedom to move around their homes safely and with confidence.