As a caregiver, whether you’re a spouse, relative, or friend of an elderly or disabled person, understanding fall risks and preventive measures is essential. At Living Well HME, we believe that proactive home safety can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve the quality of life for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
Did You Know?
- The National Safety Council reports 33,200 fatalities and 8 million disabling injuries in homes each year.
- Falls alone result in 9,000 deaths annually, with four out of five victims aged 65 or older.
- Less than 30% of elderly individuals have installed basic home safety equipment or made necessary home modifications. Most safety upgrades happen after an accident, rather than as a preventive measure.
Key Factors Contributing to Falls:
- Many seniors don’t believe they could be at risk.
- Limited budgets may make it difficult for seniors on fixed incomes to justify the expense of preventive safety equipment.
- But investing in preventive safety measures typically costs only 10-20% of post-accident home modifications.
Common Fall Risks and Solutions
Bathroom Safety
- Grab Bars: Essential for getting in and out of the the tub or shower area safely. Wall-mounted grab bars are recommended, but tub-mounted options are available if wall installation is not possible.
- Bath or Shower Benches and Hand-Held Showers: Ideal for individuals with balance or mobility concerns. Fainting or dizziness may occur often in steamy bathrooms.
- Toilet Safety Rails and Raised Toilet Seats: Provide extra support for those struggling with getting to a standing position (especially after surgery) after sitting.
- Anti-Slip Coverings: Use strips, mats, or other non-slip options for floors, tubs, and shower areas.
Home Layout and Lighting
- Main Level Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Ensure essential rooms are on the main level to reduce stair use.
- Steps and Railings: Railings are crucial for stability, even on short flights of stairs or along hallways. Ramps can also be installed if needed (from 1” to 4 feet).
- Proper Lighting: Motion-sensitive lighting at entrances and in high-traffic areas can enhance safety and deter intruders. Nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways are also helpful.
Flooring and Obstacles
- Rugs and Carpets: Remove throw rugs or replace them with non-slip, latex-backed options. Secure any loose carpeting, especially on stairs.
- Clutter and Cords: Keep floors free of extension cords and obstacles. Rearrange furniture if necessary to create clear pathways. Especially between the bedroom and bathroom.
General Safety Tips
- Visibility and Accessibility: Ensure the home address is visible from the street for emergency responders. Keep emergency contact numbers posted by telephones. Keep a printed list of all medications in a visible place.
- Fire Safety and Prevention: Install smoke and Co2 detectors on all levels and have a fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen.
- Kitchen Safety: Use step stools with handrails for reaching high shelves. Clear countertops and have hot pads readily available.
- Water Heater Settings: Set to 120 degrees or less to prevent scalding.
- Accessible Laundry Areas: Consider the location of the washer and dryer to avoid risky trips or install a stair lift to assist with bringing laundry up and down floors.
Special Considerations
- Daily Chores: Identify tasks that present challenges and look for assistive devices to make them safer. We offer a large number of helpful assistive devices at Living Well HME.
- Walking Aids and Flooring: Assess the use of walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and check flooring types for ease of movement. It can be much harder to push a walker on carpet.
- Reaching and Balance: If it is difficult to bend or reach for items then lower closet rods and keep commonly used items in lower cabinets.
At Living Well HME, we provide comprehensive home safety assessments and installation services. We work closely with Occupational Therapists to create customized solutions for your unique needs. Contact us for more information on our services and how we can help make your home safer and more accommodating.
