If you ask people 65 or older what they fear most, fear of falling will be high on most lists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. While highly prevalent, falls and fall-related injuries are preventable. Reducing fall risks is essential in keeping yourself injury-free and living independently. Read on to learn some tips for preventing falls at home.
Risk Factors
There are multiple reasons why older adults fall. These range from functional characteristics to environmental hazards. Some specific examples of functional causes of falls:
Difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs
Blind or impaired vision
Difficulty bathing and dressing
Problems with concentration and making decisions
Environmental factors that can contribute to falls in the home include:
Uneven surfaces
Slippery floors
Poor lighting
Pets
Lack of safety modifications
You can avoid these risks by changing your lifestyle and living conditions.
6 Home Modifications for Preventing Falls
The first step to modifying your home to prevent falls is to identify the problem areas that need to be addressed. Each space is unique, and potential hazards are easy to ignore. Here are some common areas and specific conditions that may need attention.
1. Lighting
Improve the lighting throughout your home by installing bright, glare-free lights in bathrooms, hallways, and staircases. Consider changing light switches to rocker switches, which are easier to turn on and off.
2. Remove Clutter
Clutter can accumulate quickly, especially in the home of an elderly person with compromised mobility. Keep floors clear of potentially dangerous obstacles, such as unnecessary furniture, electrical cords, carpets, or rugs without nonslip backing.
3. Handrails and Grab Bars
Install handrails on both sides of the stairs. In the bathroom, where many falls occur, place grab bars near the toilet, tub, and shower. Consider using a shower chair or transfer bench if you're unsteady. Place permanent nonslip strips on the floor of bathtubs and showers to provide added traction. Make sure shower and bathtub mats are nonslip.
4. Personal Safety Measures
Often, simple lifestyle changes are all that's needed to prevent falls in the home.
Assess shoes and slippers. Are they well-fitting with nonslip soles?
Schedule regular eye exams.
Manage health conditions such as vertigo or arthritis that could impair balance.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medications that may cause dizziness or impair balance as side effects.
5. Be Prepared
Prepare a list of emergency contacts, such as family members, caregivers, or neighbors, and keep it in an easily accessible location. Enroll in a personal medical alert or emergency response system. Talk with your healthcare provider, caregivers, family, and friends about what to do should you fall. Include what steps to take to get help and discuss whether a panic pendant is worth considering.
6. Professional Resources and Assistance
Arrange for an occupational therapist or home safety specialist to evaluate your environment for hazardous issues. Schedule an appointment with a social worker or look online to find local organizations or programs offering fall prevention workshops. Participating in fall prevention workshops with your caregivers, family, and friends allows everyone to master safe lifting techniques. This practice can also reduce the risk of injury for everyone involved.
Make Your Home a No-Fall Zone
Often, all that's needed to prevent falls at home are a few simple modifications and an awareness of one's vulnerability to falling. Make proactive safety measures a priority in one's living space, and then enjoy your golden years!