The home is commonplace for accidents, and a recent report suggests that falls and fractures are common health issues faced by the elderly in the UK. Falls can be frightening even when there are no injuries, so you want to take steps to create a safe living space. It is not always easy to undertake expensive renovations to make your home safer, so here are some simple and affordable ways to prevent falls at home.
By Team Savant
Image: John Moeses Bauan
1. Install some handrails and grab bars
Handrails and grab bars are essential safety gadgets for climbing up and down the stairs, using the washroom and stepping in and out of your bathtub. Many healthcare providers recommend using these assistive devices to keep sturdy. While some are inexpensive and easy to install, others might require professional assistance or significant investment. You might want to get the assistance of a handyman or family member if you are concerned with costs.
2. Keep your floorspace clean and clear
Keeping your home clean and tidy is the simplest way to avoid falling. Remove all clutter from hallways and stairwells, such as stacks of old newspapers, magazines and toys. Likewise, kitchen floors can be slippery and hazardous when wet, so it’s best to clean up immediately. Since area and scatter rugs can pose tripping hazards, ensure that they are securely placed on the floor with no turned edges and corners that could be tripped on. Installing and maintaining appropriate flooring can help prevent falls and slips, so you can consider non-slip options like bespoke wood flooring to make your home safer and boost its appeal.
3. Light up the home
Insufficient lighting is a major hazard in the home, and it is easier to avoid tripping hazards when your home is brightly lit. Installing brighter light bulbs in dim or poorly lit areas, including your narrow hallways and stairwells, can make your home more accessible, particularly for the elderly and young children. Experts suggest installing nightlights in your bedrooms and restrooms for improved guidance during the nighttime. If possible, have some bedside lamps if you need to get up in the middle of the night, switch on the lights before climbing up or down the stairs and have some readily accessible flashlights when there is a power outage.
4. Staying fit and active
Fall prevention can be as simple as maintaining physical activity such as walking, tai chi, water workouts, or other moderate exercises. For the elderly, it would be best to consult your doctor or medical care provider before engaging in any form of exercise. A physical therapist can design a personalised therapy program to help build strength and improve coordination, flexibility and balance to reduce your fall risks. Moving too quickly from a sitting or standing position can also increase your fall risks, so it is best to pause when moving from a sitting to standing or lying down to a sitting position.
Falls are more common than most people think, so if you live in a home with young children and elderly family members, it can be useful to teach your household about fall prevention and have a proper medical care plan should the unexpected happen.