Prevent a Fall at Home with These Four Tips

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of four older adults fall each year. The number of older adults who are treated for a fall injury each year rounds to nearly three million and nearly 30,000 deaths occur due to an older adult falling. In addition, the CDC states that more than 95% of hip fractures are a result of a fall. Clearly falls are a great concern for older adults.

Although falls are common, they are also preventable and do not have to a part of the aging process. Studies have shown that older adults who live an active lifestyle decrease their risk for falling significantly. Exercise helps seniors build and maintain endurance, as well as improve their balance and reflexes. In addition to exercise, preventing falls starts with assessing the home environment. Here are four tips to help older adults prevent a fall at home.

Remove Tripping Hazards

One of the common reasons falls occur is because older adults trip over something. Take the time to evaluate your home. Remove floor rugs or use a non-slip material underneath rugs to prevent them from bunching up, causing a fall. Keep common pathways throughout the home clear of objects, especially the pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom. Secure power cords to furniture, tape them to the floor, or tuck them into the carpet to prevent yourself from tripping. Simplify your home decor, eliminating items that pose a fall risk.

Ensure Sufficient Lighting

Another reason why older adults fall at home is due to a lack of sufficient lighting. Aging eyes take longer to adjust from a well-lit room to a darkened room, otherwise known as dark adaptation. If an older adult doesn’t give themselves time for their eyes to adjust, then they could easily trip over an object that they couldn’t see. To avoid this scenario, consider installing automatic night lights throughout the home to compensate for dark adaptation. Set certain lamps on timers so that they turn on before dusk. Make sure light bulbs are replaced as needed and that every room as adequate lighting.

Wear Non-Slip Shoes

Sometimes a fall occurs because of a loss of balance. Prevent this from happening by wearing non-slip shoes when walking around the house. Make sure the shoes fit and offer stability. Avoid wearing shoes that don’t cover the back heel, as it’s easier to lift your foot out, causing a fall. Look for a good slip-resistant rubber sole with plenty of cushioning on the inside. If you prefer a shoeless house, purchase a pair of shoes that are worn strictly indoors.

Kennel Pets

Tripping over a pet is common and can happen in an instant. If you have a pet at home, put them in a kennel or designated room when you are doing chores, such as carrying laundry or putting groceries away. Avoid spoiling your pet with too many toys that they leave all over the home. Instead, rotate toys if you have a lot and contain the toys to one room of the home. Pick up the toys at the end of the day and keep the pet’s leash off the floor.

If you have recently experienced a fall and need help getting back up on your feet, Visiting Angels Sarasota is here to help. We offer a variety of senior home care services perfect for older adults who need some assistance at home. We hire caregivers who can help with laundry, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and more. To learn more, contact us by calling 941-952-5800.