4 Easy Ways to Prevent Falls at Home
More seniors now than ever before want to age in place at home. And while your home is supposed to be your haven, it could also be brimming with unforeseen dangers.
Your risk of falling increases with age. What used to be ordinary household items and furnishings can turn into deadly tripping hazards for seniors, resulting in fractures, broken bones, and more.
To comfortably—and safely—age in place, preventing falls inside your home is crucial. Use these four simple suggestions to eliminate falls.
1. Clear the Clutter
As you age, having a garage, attic, or basement full of your possessions is common. But those childhood treasures can become tripping hazards.
To reduce your risk of falling, clean up any and all clutter in your home. This includes stacks of books, boxes of unused holiday decorations, and other items that could cause harm if you fall. You can sell your items for some quick cash. Or donate gently-used clothing to people in need.
2. Keep Pathways Clear
Areas of your home that see the most foot traffic can also be the most deadly. Keep pathways and high-traffic areas clear of clutter. Remove extra furniture, power cords, throw rugs, and other items you might trip over.
While you’re at it, check that these areas don’t have any uneven surfaces. As you age, your vision changes and your depth perception might become poor. This can cause you not to see the tiny details of walking surfaces. Closely inspect your floors, sidewalks, and stairs for cracks, loose carpeting, and other tripping hazards.
3. Light It Up
Inadequate lighting and poor eyesight go together like water and oil. Dark rooms can make your house challenging to navigate, particularly at night. Go through each room of your home to see which ones should be brighter. Install brighter light bulbs where needed, especially in narrow hallways and stairways. You should also buy some extra lamps for added brightness.
4. Wear the Right Clothing
Loose clothing and socks might be comfortable to wear, but they can also increase your risk of tripping or falling. Baggy clothes can easily get caught on furniture corners, railings, or doors. Opt for better-fitting apparel that doesn’t drag on the floor or bunch up.
Additionally, wear shoes, even inside. While you may love lounging around in socks or slippers, these could increase slipping risks. If you hate wearing shoes indoors, buy non-slip socks with grips on the soles.
Visiting Angels Keep Seniors Safe
Do you need help cleaning up clutter or inspecting your home for tripping hazards? Visiting Angels’ Littleton caregivers can help. Our compassionate team can assist you with light housekeeping. They can also help you prepare meals, manage your meds, and get around town.
It’s essential for seniors aging in place to stay safe. Visiting Angels can help you keep your home comfortable and secure.
To learn more, contact us today by calling 720-981-0804 and ask about our complimentary in-home safety assessments. We proudly serve the residents of Littleton, Castle Rock, Greenwood Village, Parker, CO, and surrounding areas.