Falls are a major concern among older adults, with one in three individuals over the age of 65 experiencing a fall each year.
These incidents can result in severe injuries or even be life-threatening. Implementing preventive measures can enhance home safety.
One major hazard is a cluttered living environment, especially for individuals relying on assistive devices like walking sticks or walkers. Without regular cleaning and checking, navigating around these obstacles can become challenging, increasing the risk of falls.
Tips for Fall Prevention Around the House
To help create a safer home environment and provide peace of mind for loved ones, caregivers and residents, the following suggestions focus on safeguarding different rooms and areas of the home.
Lounge Room
Furniture placement: Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths and where possible, avoid sharp corners to negotiate..
Non-slip pads on furniture: Place non-slip pads under furniture to prevent it from sliding when sitting or standing.
Power Leads: Ensure all power and extension leads are not creating trip hazards.
Phones: Keep a mobile or cordless phone with you to avoid tripping over whilst hurrying to answer landline calls.
Inspect rugs; Remove rugs or mats with curled corners and use non-slip pads to secure others.
General clutter: Remove newspapers, magazines, craft materials, and knitting projects near seating areas.
Lounge Chairs: Choose chairs that are practical in height, making it easier to sit and stand up safely. Consider a lift chair.
Kitchen
Accessibility: Organize kitchen so frequently used items are easily accessible, ideally between hip and eye level.
Counter Tops: Where possible, ensure countertops are at a comfortable height and strong enough to support you if leaned on.
Dining Tables: Place non slip pads under each leg to avoid movement on tiles if leant on. Avoid using foldable picnic tables.
Chairs: Place non slip pads under chairs, if on tiles
Food Movement: Use a tray mobile or food trolley to move food safely from one room to the next.
Clean up: Clean spills immediately. Use a long-handled mop, and ensure all grease and liquid is thoroughly removed to prevent slipping.
Out of Reach: To access objects out of reach ensure to use a sturdy wide 2 or 3 step platform with hand rails on each side. Where possible ask someone else to get down.
Stairways, and Hallways
Keep walkways clear: Remove clutter, electrical cords, and loose rugs that could cause tripping.
Secure rugs: Use non-slip mats or tape to prevent sliding.
Lighting: Ensure good lighting in all areas, especially staircases and hallways. Motion-sensor lights can be a helpful addition.
Handrails: Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairways.
Bedroom
More than 60% of falls occur in the bedroom
Bed: Ensure bed has a firm mattress and is practical in height for getting in and out of. Maybe consider an adjustable bed.
Poor lighting: Either leave a lamp on or install motion sensor lights near bed to ensure safe walking vision.
Power leads: Ensure phone charger cords and lamp cords are out of the away.
Bedspread: Tuck bedspread in on opposite side to which the person gets out, This will ensure it is off the ground.
Clutter: Remove any clutter from around the bed, trays, plates, purse ect.
Pets: Try to keep pets away from side of bed in night to avoid tripping over when going to toilet.
Bedrails: Install suitable bedrails to assist in getting out of bed.
Sit up slowly: Sitting up slowly will minimize dizziness or vertigo. Sit on edge of bed for a minute before standing up.
Bathroom
Floor: Use non-slip flooring or paint in the bathroom, alternatively use non-slip mats close to shower and bath. Keep floors dry.
Shower: Apply non-slip products like adhesive strips or specialized paint in the shower. Use a shower chair. Install handrails..
Bath: Use non slip mat in bath and transfer board if normally unsteady when stepping into and out of bath. Install hand rails.
Soaps and Shampoos: To avoid bending and stretching, keep soap and hair products within easy reach.
Toilet
Grab rails: Install grab rails on wall behind and at side of toilet.
Toilet Seat: Attach a seat raiser, preferably one with handles on each side.
Non Slip Mat: Put a non slip mat in front of toilet.
Over Toilet aid: Place an appropriate framed toilet aid around toilet
To further enhance home safety, explore a range of fall protection and prevention products that can provide additional support and are designed to reduce the risk of falls and create a safer environment. To view or discuss the many differing fall protection products available visit visit www.adaptiveclothingaustralia.com or email info@adaptiveclothingaustralia.com
PEACE OF MIND
Take a minute to view our FALL ALERT SMART WATCH and the many associated features including, blood pressure monitoring, Active temperature, Location finder for wanderers, Geofencing and much more. https://www.adaptiveclothingaustralia.com/fall-alert-watches
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