According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Council On Aging (NCOA), falls are the #1 cause of injury in adults over 65. Also, research clearly shows that falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Sixty percent of all falls of the elderly occur inside the home.
Is your home safe? Here are some suggestions for preventing falls and accidents.
- Remove Clutter. Make sure there is a clear path for you to walk from room to room. Pay special attention to hallways and staircases.
- Repair or remove tripping hazards. Examine all floors and repair loose carpeting or wood floorboards. Remove slippery throw rugs. Ensure that electrical cords are not in a walking path.
- Assess Lighting. Install brighter light bulbs to better light interiors. Turn on a light/nightlight in the evenings.
- Install handrails and grab-bars. Handrails for inside stairways and outside steps. Grab-bars for the toilet, tub, and shower.
- Wear shoes or non-slip socks.
- Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothing. Bagging hemlines are a tripping hazard.
- Prepare for wet surfaces. Use non-slip mats and rugs, particularly in the kitchen, bathrooms and porches.
- Keep frequently used items at waist-level or within easy reach. Never stand on a chair or table to reach an item out of your reach. Ask for help.
- Know where your pet is, especially when standing or walking. Pets can be a tripping hazard.
- Limit the number of trips up and downstairs, if you live in a multi-story home.
- Assess your home’s exterior. Repair any loose or broken steps and handrails. Keep debris away from walkways and be aware of changing seasonal conditions such as wet leaves, ice, and snow. Ensure well-lit exteriors.
The CDC provides this checklist for fall prevention:
Check For Safety A Home Fall Prevention Checklist For Older Adults (cdc.gov)
The NCOA link also provides prevention resources:
Get the Facts on Falls Prevention (ncoa.org)
