Preparing your home against falls can help you avoid injury, save money on medical bills, and live independently as long as possible. These 10 fall prevention strategies at home are all easy to implement, cost-effective, and perfect for combating balance problems in the elderly or individuals with mobility issues. If you are currently looking into ways to prevent falls at home, make sure to consider the items on this list!
What are Standard Fall Prevention Interventions? There are several different types of fall prevention interventions that people can use at home. It’s important to use a variety of these fall prevention techniques together for the best results.
Fall Prevention Strategies at Home
1. Put Away Clutter
One of the primary causes of falls in the home is cluttered floors. Boxes, clothes, papers, and other items that are left lying around can easily trip someone up and cause them to fall. Putting away clutter is one of the simplest and most effective fall-prevention techniques.
Make Your Home Senior-Friendly (six sentences): As we age, our balance and coordination change and we become more susceptible to falls.
2. Secure Loose Rugs
One of the main causes of falls in the home is loose rugs. To prevent falls, it is important to secure all loose rugs in your home. This can be done by taping them down, using non-slip mats, or removing them altogether.
3. Walk In Low-Heeled Shoes
One of the best ways to prevent falls at home is to simply walk in low-heeled shoes. This will help you maintain better balance and avoid tripping over obstacles. Other causes of falls in the home include slippery floors, cluttered areas, and loose carpets or rugs.
4. Get Rid Of Throw Rugs
Throw rugs are one of the leading causes of falls. They’re slippery and can easily be tripped over. If you have to throw rugs in your home, it’s time to get rid of them. Not only will this help prevent falls, but it will also help keep your home clean and tidy.
5. Use Nightlights
One of the most common fall prevention techniques is to use nightlights. This is especially important if you have young children or elderly adults living in your home. Nightlights can help prevent falls by providing a source of light that can help people see where they are going. Nightlights also make it easier for family members and caregivers to find their way around the house when they are looking for someone who may have fallen asleep somewhere other than their bed.
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6. Install Handrails On Both Sides Of Stairs
Handrails are one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. They provide support and stability for people as they ascend and descend stairs, and can help prevent slips and trips. Installing handrails on both sides of your stairs is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of falls in your home.
Consider installing handrails that extend past the top or bottom step (continuous), rather than those that stop at each step (staircase). In addition, you may want to install ramps instead of steps for certain areas where there is no need for transitions between surfaces.
7. Remove Cluttered Items From Tables, Counters, And Work Areas
Standard fall prevention interventions in the home typically involve removing clutter from areas where people move about. This includes items like magazines, newspapers, or anything else that could be tripped over. In addition to removing obstacles, it’s also important to make sure that walkways are well-lit and clear of any potential hazards. One of the most common dangers is wet floors caused by things like spilled drinks. Make sure you have a safe way for guests to get up if they need assistance getting back on their feet after a slip or trip.
8. Keep Your Windowsills Clear
One of the most important things you can do to prevent falls at home is to keep your windowsills clear. Standard fall prevention interventions include removing obstacles from walkways, installing handrails, and ensuring that there is adequate lighting. By keeping your windowsills clear, you can help create a safe environment for yourself and your family.
You should also make sure to check in on elderly friends or relatives who live alone. If you find their house cluttered with clutter, or if they are unable to see well enough because of age-related vision problems, offer to clean up their home for them so they can stay independent as long as possible.
9. Never Leave a Wet Floor Un-Attended
One of the best ways to prevent falls at home is to never leave wet floors unattended. When you spill something, make sure to clean it up right away. Also, try to avoid walking on wet floors if possible. If you must walk on a wet floor, make sure to wear shoes with good traction. Finally, always dry your feet off before getting into bed.
Don’t be afraid to call a neighbor or friend to help if you need assistance. Do your best to remain active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Finally, ask your friends and family members for help when it comes time to move around heavy furniture or other objects in your home. This can prevent falls even if you aren’t carrying something heavy at that moment. Consider all of these tips as part of your fall prevention strategy at home.
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10. If You Use A Cane Or Walker, Keep It Handy At All Times
You may not always need your cane or walker, but it’s important to have it close by in case you do. Keep it within arm’s reach so you can grab it quickly if you start to feel unsteady.
In addition to using a cane or walker, there are other things you can do to prevent falls at home.
Here Are Other 10 Fall Prevention Strategies:
- Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Use nonslip strips in tubs and showers.
- Use nonslip strips on carpeted stairs and steps, especially if you have hardwood floors. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times!
- Use a steady handrail when climbing stairs.
- Secure throw rugs and keep them away from thresholds or other tripping hazards. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times!
- Be careful around areas with both high and low surfaces, such as furniture and appliances.
- Never reach overhead while walking and always bend at your knees, not your waist. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times!
- Before stepping into a shower, check to make sure there are no obstacles on which you could slip. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times!
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, especially if you’re taking any medications that cause dehydration. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times!
- Make sure your home is well-lit to prevent falls at night or in dimly lit rooms. If you use a cane or walker, keep it within arm’s reach at all times.
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