As seniors age, they might spend extra time at residence. Nonetheless, residence could be a harmful place to be if fall and security hazards aren’t addressed. Listed here are a number of the commonest fall hazards within the residence and tips about how you can deal with them.
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Addressing Widespread Fall Hazards within the Dwelling
Be taught extra about frequent hazards and get fall prevention methods to assist cut back the danger of falling in a beloved one’s residence.
Bed room
FACT: Poor lighting doubles a senior’s fall danger.
The bed room must be a secure and cozy place for seniors. Nonetheless, litter, low lighting, and furnishings placement can elevate the danger of falls.
- Free Gadgets: Soiled garments, footwear, and blankets left on the ground could cause tripping hazards. Maintain walkways clear through the use of hampers and storage bins to maintain objects off the ground.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting could make it tough to navigate the bed room at evening. Set up motion-activated evening lights alongside pathways to the toilet and close to the mattress.
- Mattress Security: Getting out and in of mattress could be a problem for seniors with restricted mobility. Set up mattress rails for help and contemplate a decrease mattress peak to make transfers simpler.
Stairs & Hallways
FACT: Stairway falls are the main explanation for unintentional loss of life in older adults.
Hallways and stairs are high-risk areas the place poor visibility, unstable surfaces, and an absence of handrails can result in harmful falls.
- Unstable Handrails: Seniors depend on handrails for stability, however a unfastened or weak handrail will be extra harmful than not having one in any respect. Safe sturdy, correctly mounted handrails on either side of the staircase.
- Carpet Runners: Free or frayed carpet runners can create uneven surfaces, rising fall danger. Use non-slip adhesives or substitute carpeting with slip-resistant flooring.
- Low Distinction: Poor depth notion makes it more durable for seniors to tell apart the place one step ends and one other begins. Add brilliant tape or contrasting colours to the sides of stair treads.
Rest room
FACT: 80% of senior falls happen within the toilet.
The lavatory is likely one of the most harmful rooms within the residence as a result of potential fall hazards — slippery flooring, low bathroom seats, and moist surfaces.
- Moist Flooring: Water on the ground from sinks, showers, or baths will be hazardous. Use skid-resistant rugs with rubber backing to soak up extra moisture.
- Slippery Bathtubs & Showers: Cleaning soap residue and water create slippery circumstances. Set up non-slip mats, bathe seize bars, and a bathe chair for stability.
- Low Bathroom Seats: Seniors might battle to take a seat down or arise from a low bathroom. Use raised bathroom seats and set up seize bars close to the bathroom for additional help.
Kitchen
FACT: Each 19 minutes, a senior dies from a fall.
The kitchen is filled with potential fall hazards, from reaching for heavy home equipment to slipping on spilled liquids.
- Heavy Gadgets: Lifting home equipment and cookware can pressure muscle tissues and enhance fall danger. Retailer heavy pots and home equipment at waist degree to scale back the necessity for bending or lifting.
- Unstable Chairs: Light-weight or wobbly chairs could be a hazard when sitting or standing. Use steady chairs with armrests to supply additional help when getting up.
- Spills: Water, oil, or meals spills can create slick surfaces. Clear up spills instantly and use slip-resistant mats in high-traffic areas.
Dwelling Room
FACT: Annually, 3 million seniors are handled within the emergency room for falls.
The lounge must be a snug house, however furnishings placement, cords, and rugs can contribute to sudden falls.
- Cords & Wires: Electrical cords working throughout the ground create tripping hazards. Safe cords alongside the partitions or use twine covers to maintain them out of walkways.
- Throw Rugs: Rugs can slip or create uneven surfaces that trigger seniors to journey. Take away throw rugs or use double-sided tape to safe them.
- Slender Pathways: Cluttered or tight areas could make motion tough, rising the danger of falls. Rearrange furnishings to create clear, extensive pathways for simple navigation.
Open air
FACT: 30% of senior falls happen outdoors the house.
Out of doors areas current further hazards, from cracked sidewalks to poor traction on moist surfaces.
- Uneven or Cracked Concrete: Sidewalks, patios, and driveways with cracks could cause seniors to journey. Restore cracks when doable or mark uneven surfaces with brightly coloured tape.
- Poor Traction: Rain, ice, and snow could make out of doors surfaces slick. Use textured paint, set up abrasive stair strips, and guarantee seniors put on footwear with good traction.
- Overgrown Timber & Shrubs: Pruning excessive branches can result in falls, and overgrown vegetation can hinder pathways. Maintain out of doors areas well-maintained or rent knowledgeable for tree trimming.
Ultimate Ideas: A Safer Dwelling for Seniors
Falls are a critical well being danger for seniors, however many hazards will be prevented with proactive measures. By making small changes in every space of the house, you may considerably cut back the danger of falls and promote a safer dwelling setting.
Want additional help for a senior beloved one? Our skilled caregivers at Caring Senior Service can help with fall prevention methods, mobility help, and residential security modifications. We additionally conduct free residence security and danger assessments. Contact your native Caring group at this time to be taught extra!
