Seniors need all the help that they can get when it comes to fall prevention. That means paying close attention to safety hazards and environmental issues that could lead to a fall. Senior home care professionals can help families to learn what they need to know about fall prevention in every room of their aging adult’s home.
Living Room
The living room is where many seniors spend the majority of their time. If seniors have mobility issues, it’s incredibly important to ensure that the space is free of clutter, including cords, decorative items, and even furniture that takes up too much space. Paying attention to lighting helps to reduce shadows which could contribute to a fall. Senior home care providers can help seniors to stay on top of keeping the living areas in their homes clear and free of clutter.
Kitchen
Kitchens have some special considerations in terms of safety and preventing falls. Frequently used items should be stored properly to keep seniors from having to use a stepstool or ladder to access them. Removing rugs and adding non-slip flooring can help immensely. It might also be a good idea for seniors to have help from senior home care providers with cooking and cleaning tasks so that they’re not taking on more than they can safely handle on their own.
Stairs
All staircases should have sturdy, solid handrails on both sides if possible. This offers support and ensures that seniors have a ready handhold no matter where they are on the stairs. The stairs should always be free of clutter and should be well-lit so that seniors can see where they’re going. If seniors have significant mobility problems or vision impairments, it might be a good idea to relocate their bedrooms to the main floor to help them avoid having to use the stairs too often.
Bedroom
Seniors also spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, especially overnight. If the bed is too tall, it might be difficult for seniors to get in and out of bed safely. Lowering the bed can help immensely. Removing slippery area rugs that can roll or fold up is also a good idea since those can contribute to tripping. Grab bars in the bedroom, especially around the bed, can make the room safer.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a room that needs special attention. Grab bars around the shower, toilet, and sink offer plenty of places for seniors to hold on for added safety. Nightlights can help to make it easier to get around safely at night, but increasing lighting helps at all times of the day. Senior home care providers can help seniors to bathe and take care of other needs in the bathroom, helping them to be as safe as possible when they’re most vulnerable.
Hallways
Hallways, like staircases, should have supportive handrails on both sides if possible. Again, clearing the pathway all the way down the hallway is important. This is even more essential if seniors need help with mobility. Proper lighting ensures that seniors are able to see everything around them and avoid obstacles.
Preventing falls for seniors means staying on top of a variety of different safety concerns. Senior home care providers can take care of this for aging adults and their families, helping seniors to feel safer at home.
