Simple Tips to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are considered to be the number 1 cause of injuries for most people aged 65 and above. These accidents can often lead to hip fractures, cuts and even serious head brain injuries that can really be fatal. Even without a major injury, a fall can still be traumatizing for an older adult and it can cause them to be fearful or depressed. Thus, making it difficult for them to function everyday and stay active.

If you have an elderly loved one at home or a neighbor, helping them reduce the risk of falling is also a simple way to keep them healthy and independent as long as possible. The great thing about falls is that they can be prevented. Common causes of falls are usually at home, so prevention must start with having a safe living place.

Making a home safe for the elderly doesn’t necessarily mean remodeling the entire house but just making a few basic changes to ensure safety. Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent falls at home:

• Remove all the clutter at home. The easiest and simplest way to prevent falls is to keep your home neat and tidy. Make sure to get rid of all the clutter especially around the hallways, walking areas and staircases.
• Installation of grab bars and handrails are important especially when going up and down the stairs, stepping out of the tub and getting on and off the toilet.
• Inadequate lighting is also a major hazard. A home with brighter lighting is good for the elderly particularly in narrow hallways and stairways. Adding night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms are also recommended for better guidance at night.
• Provide nonslip mats in the bathroom, kitchen and porches since it can be extremely dangerous when these areas are wet.
• Take your time. Many people fall at home because they often move too quickly from sitting to a standing position. Take a pause after lying down to sitting position and from sitting to standing up gradually.

Preventing falls mean preventing injuries from occurring. As they say, prevention is always better than cure; therefore all these tips can definitely go a long way to keeping your loved one safe in their own home.