Fall Prevention for the Elderly

5 Ways to Prevent Your Elderly Loved One from Falling

As we age, it gets more and more difficult to maneuver. You may see your elderly loved one having a difficult time walking through the house, and you may become fearful that they will fall and hurt themselves. Home care can help prevent a fall by having someone assist your elderly loved one, but there are other ways that you can help keep your loved one safe. The following are five ways to prevent falls in the home of an elderly individual:

1.       Keep the home clean. Oftentimes, individuals may trip and fall over clutter, such as shoes left by the door or in front of the furniture. By picking up out of place items and always putting things back where they belong, you can help your loved one avoid a fall.

2.       Use proper safety products. Ramps and handrails may be crucial in keeping elderly individuals from falling down stairs or slipping and hurting themselves in the bathroom. Additionally, non-slip surfaces should be added to bathtubs and any slick flooring.

3.       Ensure the house is properly lit. Even if a home is clutter-free, it can be difficult to walk around without bumping into something if there is not adequate lighting. This is especially important in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, the kitchen, and the living room. Do not forget to light the outside of the house, as well.

4.       Secure rugs to the floor with non-slip materials. Though rugs are an excellent way to cover up slippery floors, such as those made of wood or tile, they themselves can become hazards if they are free to slide. By using non-slip materials beneath rugs, you can prevent them from moving.

5.       Fix uneven surfaces. From broken tiles to jagged seams between the flooring of two different rooms, uneven surfaces can cause elderly individuals to stub their toes, trip, and even fall. To prevent this from happening, be sure that all necessary home repairs are conducted and that all walking surfaces are level.

Keeping your elderly loved ones safe is certainly a major priority, and falls can cause a great deal of pain and even serious injuries. By following these tips, you can help safeguard your loved one's home to prevent falls from occurring.

Reach out to the professionals in elder care in Chapel Hill… www.alwaysbestcarechapelhill-durham.com