According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among elderly Americans. Around 33% of the elderly fall at least once a year, and these falls result in over 2 million visits to the emergency room. Even when the fall did not cause any serious injury, the experience can still be so frightening to seniors that they may avoid certain activities all because they’re afraid they’ll fall again.
You don't have to completely remodel your entire house to avoid hazards. Here are simple tips to prevent falls at home. What Seniors Should Do to Prevent Falls and Slips at Home Declutter.
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent slips and falls is by keeping your house neat and organized. It's important to make sure that walkways are kept clear to reduce the risk of tripping. Remove tripping hazards and clutter, like piles of newspapers and magazines, boxes, electrical cords, or wiring. Toys from pets and children can become tripping hazards as well. Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
Remove tripping hazards. Even home fixtures can contribute to falls. Check items such as loose carpets, throw rugs, or floorboards or nails that stick out. Start repairing, removing, or replacing these hazards. Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape, tacks, or a slip-resistant backing or remove loose rugs from your home altogether. Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away. Install rails and grab bars.
Grab bars and handrails are actually crucial for many simple daily activities such as going up and down the stairs, getting on and off the toilet, stepping in and out of the bathtub, and even walking along the hallways.
Avoid wearing long, loose clothing.We understand you want to feel cozy, but sometimes long, loose clothing can make you trip or slip, especially when climbing the stairs. Opt for clothes that do not drag on the ground as extremely loose clothing can put you at risk. It can get caught on doors, windows or furniture, causing a fall. Add or improve lighting.
Poor lighting is the most common culprit for slips and falls. Many falls in the senior community may occur because of vision problems or limitations, but many of these risks can be reduced by using adequate lighting and making sure that lighting is working properly. Add more lighting or replace some bulbs with brighter lights if necessary. Also, consider trading traditional switches for glow-in-the-dark or illuminated switches.
Wear nonslip shoes or socks. You may need socks for warmth during the colder seasons, but they won’t go well with polished or tiled floors. Try wearing shoes or purchasing nonslip socks that have grips on the soles. Move downstairs. Even with handrails, stairs always present a significant falling hazard. If possible, live downstairs. Move to a room on the lower level, along with all the other things you need. If it's not possible, try to at least limit the trips you take upstairs.
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