Fall Prevention for Aging Adults

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older. Aging adults can be more prone to falls due to physical and cognitive decline. Taking fall prevention measures can help seniors to avoid hospital stays, medical procedures, and even death. In this post we will cover areas of the home with highest reported falls, how to avoid falls, and the role a home care agency can play to help prevent falls.

Room by Room; Problems and Solutions

- Bathrooms: Bathrooms are categorized as the most dangerous room in the house! Slippery tile or enamel surfaces are made even more slippery when water is added to the equation. Night time trips to the bathroom present another obstacle to safety- lighting! There are several fall prevention measures that can make the bathroom instantly safer. Installing sturdy grab bars in the tub and next to the toilet adds a point of contact for support and balance. Non slip stickers or mats can be added to the floor of the shower or tub to provide more grip. A shower chair and adjustable shower head can be another solution to a slippery tub or shower. Add a night light to help with visibility during late night bathroom trips.

- Stairs: Though it is not a room, stairs pose a very clear fall risk! It is important to be sure that any carpet on stairs is secure. If stairs are wood or tile, consider adding non slip strips! Adding secure grab bars to both sides of the stairs provide important points of contact for balance and support. Lighting is key for any set of stairs in your home, night lights for any stairs in the home used after dark. Clutter on the stairs exponentially increases the risk of a fall, so be sure to keep your stairs tidy.

- Kitchens: The kitchen can pose some similar risks to the bathroom as kitchens typically have vinyl, ceramic tile, or hard wood floors. For this reason it is recommended to add non slip stickers or mats to frequently walked paths in the kitchen, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately. Because aging adults can tire easily it is also a good idea to do as much prep work and cooking possible while seated.

- Living Rooms: Loose rugs, cords, and clutter can cause tripping in the living room. There are a few organizational changes that can be made to reduce the risk of falling in the living room. Keep cords close to the walls and out of the way of any commonly walked path. Ensure that rugs are secured with a no slip rug tape to avoid any sliding or bunching up. Arrange furniture so you have plenty of space to move around. Speaking of space to move around, do your best to keep clutter to a minimum! Keeping a tidy living room will decrease the risk of falls.

- Bedrooms: The bedroom can pose similar problems to the living room so it is important to ensure that you keep the space free of clutter and with a clear walking path. Adding a night light to your bedroom can aid in any night time trips to the bathroom. It is also recommended to keep a charged flashlight and mobile phone near you during the night in case of power outages.

Other Fall Prevention Tips

• Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive non-slip house shoes can make a big difference in safety around the home!

• Get Regular Eye Exams: Ensuring vision prescriptions are up-to-date also enhances your safety at home.

• Use a Reach Stick: A reach stick is a great tool to help avoid falls; instead of standing on a chair to get something, use your reach stick!

The Role of a Home Care Agency in Fall Prevention

A home care agency can be a key part of a proactive plan to prevent falls. During the initial assessment, a home care agency evaluates the home for potential fall hazards. Home care agencies can help clients with high fall risk activities such as; bathing, transferring to and from bed, and cooking and cleaning. If applicable, home health aids can also facilitate physical activities to improve balance.

In conclusion, aging adults are more susceptible to falls in the home, but there are many ways to reduce the risk to ensure a safer environment. Proactive action is best when you notice that you or a loved one may be at risk for falling. Consider consulting with Total at (219) 937-2811 for tailored fall prevention strategies.