How to Prevent Falls at Home

In the winter, we tend to focus on preventing falls caused by ice and snow. However, it’s equally important to avoid the falls that can happen inside your home. Make a plan for how to prevent falls at home, and you’ll be able to keep yourself safe and sound.

Have you talked to a medical professional about your fall risk? If you’ve never considered how you can avoid a serious fall injury, it’s time to make a plan. Most of us know that inclement weather can increase our risk of slipping outside, but it’s important to remember that fall risks don’t disappear once you’re safely back inside. Learn how to prevent falls at home, and you’ll be safe no matter where you go.

Keep Your Living Spaces Clear and Visible

If you need some extra incentive to clear up the clutter in your house, consider how it can improve your overall safety at home. Keeping things tidy is just one way to make your living space safer:

Be sure not to leave books, papers, and other clutter in areas where you can trip on them or knock them over.
Don’t use throw rugs or other rugs that aren’t securely attached to your floor. You can buy no-slip strips at a hardware store for extra security if needed
Ensure trip hazards like electrical cords are tucked against the wall alongside small furniture that is easy to trip over, like end tables.
Invest in additional lamps or other lighting to ensure your home is well-lit from multiple sources. That way, if there is an unexpected hazard, you’ll be sure to see it before it trips you up.

Exercise Caution in the Bathroom and Kitchen

The bathroom and kitchen can pose some extra hazards for seniors. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make these rooms safer too:

Make sure you have grab bars next to the toilet, in the shower, and anywhere else you need a little extra support. You can also add non-slip flooring in areas that tend to get slippery, such as in front of sinks or the bathtub.
Add automatic lights to the bathroom and kitchen to ensure you’ll always be able to see where you’re going, even at night.
Keep items you regularly use in these areas at waist level, so they’re easy to access. The easier things are to reach, the less likely you are to trip yourself up trying to get them.
If fatigue is an issue, stay seated while you prepare food or bathe. Adaptive equipment like shower benches can make your life much easier!

General Slip and Fall Preparedness

Now that your living space is slip-and-fall-secure, what else should you consider? Take these additional steps to further mitigate your fall risk:

Did you know that improving your flexibility can help you avoid falls? Flexibility work strengthens your core muscles, which can help you keep your balance in dangerous situations. Work some daily stretches or yoga into your routine.
Talk to your doctor about tools that can help you reduce your risk. For example, a reacher bar can make a big safety difference if you’re unsteady on your feet.
If you do slip or fall, make sure help is easy to get by keeping a cell phone on you at all times. The faster you get help, the better off you’ll be.

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Learning how to prevent falls at home is vital for every senior. Talk to your doctor about fall risk at your next appointment.

Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.

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