Several surveys have shown that most falls occur in the home. While a recent UK study revealed that a third of individuals aged 65 and over would fall at least once yearly, every household member is also at risk. Even if there are no significant injuries, a fall might be so scary that individuals avoid particular activities for fear of falling again. Fortunately, you don’t have to remodel your entire home to reduce the risk. Below are four ways to prevent falls in your home.
1. Eliminate potential hazards
It is necessary to identify and remove fall hazards that may cause accidents. One way to accomplish this is by cleaning up clutter around your home, such as papers, books, shoes, boxes, and other items that can be tripping hazards. Stairs should always be clear of objects, and loose or uneven steps or floorboards should be fixed. Remove rugs or securely tape them down to prevent slipping. You can also do a walkthrough of your home to ensure that furniture and other objects do not block any clear paths. These simple safety measures can go a long way in preventing falls and injuries in the home.
2. Provide adequate light in the home
Poor lighting makes it challenging to see potential hazards, creating a risk of tripping over objects or misjudging steps and levels. Adequate lighting promotes independence and maintains the quality of life for older adults. Improving the lighting in your home includes installing night lights and ensuring consistent lighting throughout the home. Good lighting should be paired with other fall prevention strategies, such as removing tripping hazards and improving stability and balance. These measures can significantly reduce falls, providing a safer and more secure living environment for everyone in the home.
3. Get an assistive tech
As the UK’s population ages, technology advances. Several products available today can keep older people secure and independent. Many of these pieces of assistive technology help prevent falls at home. Rushing about the house is one of the leading causes of falls; when you’re in a hurry, you’re less inclined to focus on where you’re going. Consider circumstances where you could feel rushed, such as when someone knocks on the door or a pot on the stove boils over. You can now connect a surveillance system to the front entrance and send the feed to your smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need to run to check who is at the door.
4. Be extra careful on slippery surfaces
Walking on slippery surfaces can be very dangerous, especially when it rains, in winter, and so on. Ensuring that your driveway and sidewalk are adequately shovelled and salted is essential to create a safer walking surface. An ice cane attachment can also provide extra grip and stability when walking in icy areas. Your landscaping materials can also be crucial in making your outdoor spaces. Landscaping materials like clay pavers are slip-resistant, making them a safe choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces. Taking these precautions can decrease the risk of slipping and falling on slippery surfaces during winter.
