Easy, Inexpensive Ways To Improve Home Safety and Fall Prevention

Each year millions of seniors slip and fall. A fall can lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and if the senior is undetected for a time, it can lead to dehydration and other medical complications. Taking a few steps to improve home safety, and reduce the risk of falling for seniors is important for health.

You do not have to do expensive renovations, or buy costly products to improve fall prevention in your home. The following are some easy, inexpensive ways to improve home safety and fall prevention:

1. Keep objects off the floor.

This includes throw rugs, books, shoes, boxes, blankets, etc. Make sure you do not have to walk over or around wires and cords. Basically, keep your floors clear. This may seem simple enough, but even one shoe that is not put away can be a tripping hazard. Make a concerted effort to keep things off the floor.

2. Make sure walk ways are well lit.

Putting some night-lights in walkways, using brighter bulbs, and using uniform lighting can all help reduce the risk of falling and improve home safety. Proper lighting will make it easier to see obstacles, and reduce glare.

3. Install grab bars and non-slip rubber mats.

The bathroom is one of the danger-zones in the home for slips and falls. If you want to prevent them, install grab bars and non-slip rubber mats. Water makes floors slippery, as well as bathtubs and showers. Non-slip rubber mats can help to reduce the risks. Grab bars provide support and security when entering and exiting the bathtub, as well as for getting up from the toilet. They need to be installed properly.

4. Put things you use in easy to reach places, not too high, not too low.

This is especially important in the kitchen. Do not put things you need regularly in hard to reach places. If you keep these items in your most accessible cupboards, you will find yourself in much less risk. You won’t have to climb up on chairs, or bend low to get things.

5. Make sure the paths to and from high traffic areas are clear of furniture.

This is especially important for the paths taken at night, such as from the bed to the bathroom, or the bed to the kitchen. If you have to walk around furniture, your chances of slipping, falling, tripping, etc. increase. Keep those walkways clear.

In addition to making these simple changes to your home, you can also take care of yourself to reduce the risk of falling and improve home safety for a low cost. This includes things like exercising regularly to improve balance and coordination. Getting up and down slowly so as not to get dizzy. Have your vision checked annually to make sure you can see. None of these things come with a high price tag, but they can all help improve home safety and fall prevention.