Fall Prevention

Blog

The following safety tips can help make your loved one’s home safer while minimizing the chances of a slip or fall:

Take the time to check out your loved one’s home.

Remove tripping hazards.
- Area rugs, electrical cords, low tables, and ottomans are all risks.

Install non-slip flooring and remove or cover all cords and wires.

Also, check thresholds: Hard-to-see changes in flooring heights contribute to falls.

Ask a safety expert about flattening thresholds or adding indoor ramps or handrails.

Install bathroom grab bars, grab bars are a great way to prevent falls in the bathroom.
- You can purchase a grab bar at a hardware store and install it yourself or hire someone to do it.

Place nonslip mats in the bathroom.

Many falls among seniors occur in the bathroom. Nonslip bathmats can help reduce dangerous falls.

Ensure the home has good lighting.
- A poorly lit home increases the risk of falls.

Install motion-activated bright lighting around the entire home.

Provide easy seating.
- Kitchen and shower stools enable seniors to perform activities of daily living such as cooking and bathing in a comfortable seated position.

Check outdoor spaces.
- Check the driveway and sidewalk for cracks and be sure there’s a clear path to the mailbox.

Remove tripping hazards in the yard, such as rocks and roots.

Remember that it is always best to prevent a fall from occurring in the first place if at all possible.
- Taking the time to go over this checklist with your elderly or disabled love ones is a form of needed preventive maintenance that can avoid preventable injuries and emergency trips to the Emergency Room.

At Up & Up Care your loved one’s safety is one of our top priorities!

Feel free to reach out to our staff so that we can help you make your loved one’s home a safe environment.