7 Steps To Prevent Your Fall Risk

 

For seniors, a fall can be detrimental to your health. Bones are more fragile and likely to break. Your health is sensitive and any fall can cause severe internal damage. It is important to practice behavior that can prevent a fall. Follow these 7 steps to make your home safer and low risk for falling.

 

  1. Keep your home neat. Clutter in the home can be obtrusive to how you move around. Are there wires from lamps or devices that are in the way? Do you have stacks of newspapers or magazines around? The hallways and paths in your home should be completely clutter-free to allow you to move freely through your home.
  2. Repair tripping hazards. Look for any issues in your home that could become a tripping hazard such as a slippery rug, a snag in the carpet, or a broken/loose floorboards. Have these issues repaired as soon as possible to prevent hazards.
  3. Install devices to assist you. Grab bars and handles places strategically throughout your home will help you in case you are having difficulty moving around. Be sure your staircase (if you have one) has a railing that is tight & secure to assist in getting upstairs. Install grab bars in the bathroom for easy assistance.
  4. Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose. This will prevent any excess fabric from getting caught on the corners of furniture or appliances. Be aware of what you wear on your feet in your house. Wear shoes or slip-resistant socks to prevent slipping.
  5. Light your home properly. Make sure you have adequate lighting in your home to ensure there are no dark shadows that can hide potential fall hazards. When your home is fully lit, you can see any obstacles in your way.
  6. Make your home nonslip. The floors in your home can be too smooth which can make it easier to slip on. Lay down nonslip mats in areas where you have hardwood or tile flooring such as the bathroom, kitchen, or porches.
  7. Live in a one-level home. If you are able, opt to live in a home with no stairs. This can greatly reduce your risk of falling when you do not need to climb up and down stairs on a daily basis. If you do reside in a two-story home or a home with stairs, limit how often you use them.

 

If you have questions about how to make your home safer, Alma Health Skilled Services can perform a Home Risk Assessment to evaluate potential risks in your home as well as how to repair or resolve them. Contact one of our Service Coordinators to learn more.

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For seniors, a fall can be detrimental to your health. Bones are more fragile and likely to break. Your health is sensitive and any fall can cause severe internal damage. It is important to practice behavior that can prevent a fall. Follow these 7 steps to make your home safer and low risk for falling.

 



    
 	
  1. Keep your home neat. Clutter in the home can be obtrusive to how you move around. Are there wires from lamps or devices that are in the way? Do you have stacks of newspapers or magazines around? The hallways and paths in your home should be completely clutter-free to allow you to move freely through your home.
    2. 
 	
  2. Repair tripping hazards. Look for any issues in your home that could become a tripping hazard such as a slippery rug, a snag in the carpet, or a broken/loose floorboards. Have these issues repaired as soon as possible to prevent hazards.
    3. 
 	
  3. Install devices to assist you. Grab bars and handles places strategically throughout your home will help you in case you are having difficulty moving around. Be sure your staircase (if you have one) has a railing that is tight & secure to assist in getting upstairs. Install grab bars in the bathroom for easy assistance.
    4. 
 	
  4. Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing clothing that is too loose. This will prevent any excess fabric from getting caught on the corners of furniture or appliances. Be aware of what you wear on your feet in your house. Wear shoes or slip-resistant socks to prevent slipping.
    5. 
 	
  5. Light your home properly. Make sure you have adequate lighting in your home to ensure there are no dark shadows that can hide potential fall hazards. When your home is fully lit, you can see any obstacles in your way.
    6. 
 	
  6. Make your home nonslip. The floors in your home can be too smooth which can make it easier to slip on. Lay down nonslip mats in areas where you have hardwood or tile flooring such as the bathroom, kitchen, or porches.
    7. 
 	
  7. Live in a one-level home. If you are able, opt to live in a home with no stairs. This can greatly reduce your risk of falling when you do not need to climb up and down stairs on a daily basis. If you do reside in a two-story home or a home with stairs, limit how often you use them.
    8. 


 

If you have questions about how to make your home safer, Alma Health Skilled Services can perform a Home Risk Assessment to evaluate potential risks in your home as well as how to repair or resolve them. Contact one of our Service Coordinators to learn more.
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