Preventing Falls Among the Elderly Simple Home Modifications for Safety
Preventing Falls Among the Elderly Simple Home Modifications for Safety
Kanikka Malhotra
Simple Home Modifications to Prevent Falls
1. Remove Fall Hazards
● Clutter: Keep walkways clear of any clutter or obstacles.
● Rugs: Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape or remove them altogether.
● Cords: Tuck away or secure any electrical cords to prevent tripping.
2. Improve Lighting
● Brighten: Ensure that all areas are well-lit, especially stairways, hallways, and bathrooms.
● Night Lights: Install night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways to aid nighttime navigation.
3. Install Handrails and Grab Bars
● Stairs: Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and ensure they are secure.
● Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the shower, near the toilet, and by the bathtub.
4. Make Essential Items Accessible
● Frequently Used Items: Keep regularly used items within easy reach to prevent overreaching or bending.
5. Non-Slip Flooring
● Bathrooms: Use non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub, and consider applying non-slip strips on the bathroom floor.
● Rugs: Use non-slip backing for area rugs to prevent them from sliding.
6. Consider Assistive Devices
● Mobility Aids: If needed, use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and ensure they are in good condition.
These simple modifications can go a long way in reducing the risk of falls at home. In addition to these modifications, it's important to consider other factors that can contribute to fall prevention, such as regular exercise, medication management, and regular vision check-ups