SHAREPreventing Falls in your Home
Up to 30 % of seniors are at risk of falling. And, one of the most common places for falls is in your very own home! Therefore, “fall-proofing” by making simple fall-prevention methods in living spaces is highly important. This is especially important if you suffer from bone disease like osteoporosis.
Turn your home into a no-fall zone and lower your risk for serious injury with these simple tips:
1. Floors
- Floor surfaces need to be non-slip. Avoid waxing your floors as it will make it very slippery. A fixed carpet throughout your house may be your best bet, provided it’s even and not too soft.
- Wipe spills from the floor immediately as you might forget about wet spots later on.
- Rearrange furniture in your house to clear paths. It will make it easier and safer to move around.
- Remove any loose carpets from your floor.
- Pick up any toys, shoes or magazines that may be lying around. Wires around the house are often a hazard and need to be cleared from walking paths.
2. Lighting
- Make sure your house is well lit inside.
- Improve lighting with brighter bulbs.
- Have uniform lighting throughout each room.
3. Stairs
- Make sure all the stairs are even. Fix any broken or uneven ones.
- Remove any loose carpets, toys, wires or other clutter from your stairs.
- At least one side of the stairs should have a handrail.
- Make sure the stairs are well lit. Replace any burnt-out bulbs as soon as possible.
- Paint the top edge of the stairs a different colour to make it easier to see.
4. Kitchen
- Keep utensils you use often on lower shelves at waist level
- Have a steady step-stool handy to reach for objects on higher shelves
5. Bathroom
- Remove any loose rugs and replace it with non-slip rubber ones.
- Place a non-slip mat in your bath and shower.
- Fit handles next to your bath and toilet for extra support.
- Sit on a plastic chair in the shower instead of getting into and out of a bath.
- Raise the toilet seat with a toilet seat riser. You can buy one from most pharmacies.
6. Bedroom
- Make sure the bedroom light is easy to reach from your bed.
- The path from your bed to the toilet must be well lit.
- When getting out of bed, rather roll onto one side and then push yourself up instead of trying to sit upright as this will place more strain on your body
Top Tips for Preventing Falls!
- Wear non-slip and sturdy shoes inside and outside the house. Avoid walking in slippers or on socks.
- Fix long hemlines of dresses, pyjamas or trousers to avoid tripping and falling.
- Poor eyesight can increase your chances of falling. Get your eyes tested at least once a year.
- If you feel dizzy, get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
