In-Home Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors | Executive Care of Richmond

Falling can be one of the scarier and more serious risks faced by the elderly. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of preventable injury-related death in the U.S., as well as a top cause of nonfatal injuries.

Thankfully, effective fall prevention can help protect older adults from the risks often found in their homes. By going through and helping to eliminate fall hazards, you can help your loved one safely stay in the comfort of home, longer.

The Importance of Fall Prevention

In the United States, one in four adults age 65 and up falls each year.

These falls can lead to bone fractures, sprains, head trauma and dislocations, which is why it’s so important to take preventive steps. Fortunately, falls do not have to be a natural part of aging.

Fall prevention can help eliminate trip and fall risks in the home, which in turn, keeps seniors safer. It’s important to remember that some medications can impact balance or bring on dizziness, so be sure to discuss side effects of your loved one’s current medicines with the doctor.

Tips for Preventing Falls

Helping prevent falls is something that doesn’t have to take an extensive amount of work—that’s right, it’s simple to help protect your loved one from fall hazards. 

Fall prevention begins by creating a safe living space. This can be done through some of the following suggestions:

1. Cut down the clutter. It’s easy for things like magazines, shoes and knick-knacks to begin piling up in areas of the home such as the living room, hallways and staircases. Be sure all walkways/paths your loved one takes are free of the clutter, as they can pose trip and fall risks.

2. Improve lighting conditions. Walking around in poorly lit areas is a task that can be difficult for anyone, but especially the elderly. Brighter bulbs should be installed throughout the home, and plug-in night lights can help illuminate bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms for better visibility at night.

3. Watch for tripping hazards. You can go through your loved one’s home and evaluate each room and hallway for potential tripping hazards. These include loose carpet, throw rugs that slide around, electrical cords, and uneven or sticking up floorboards. Once they have been identified, you can repair, remove or replace the items.

4. Put up handrails and grab bars. These are especially helpful for going up and down the stairs, using the bathroom, and getting in and out of the bathtub without causing injury. Think of them as a bit of added security for your loved one.

5. Nonslip mats can help. Often, the flooring used in the bathroom, kitchen and even entryways to the home can become slippery when wet. Help eliminate the risk by putting down some nonslip mats.

Keeping your loved one safe and comfortable in the home is not only your goal, but ours, too! Executive Care of Richmond is here to provide the services needed to make sure older adults lead optimal lives in these golden years.