Simple Changes to Reduce the Risk of Falls in Your Home
One in four older adults has a fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Wisconsin leads the nation in fall-related deaths for people ages 60 and older. The good news is that falls are not a normal part of aging and can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps can reduce the risk of experiencing a fall in your home.
Reduce Clutter in Your Home. Your floor should be clear of newspapers, extension cords, shoes, pet toys, and boxes. Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands away from walking areas. Clean out anything you do not need. Less clutter and less stuff are simple ways to make your home safer.
Remove Throw Rugs. Household throw rugs are one of the most common causes of falls in the home, and tripping on rugs can result in severe injuries. The safest option is to get rid of ALL throw rugs in your home, especially those 4’ x 6’ or smaller. If you must keep a rug in your home, be sure to use a mat with a heavy-backed rubber bottom so it will stay in place and not bunch up. Throw out any rugs with loose edges or turned up corners.
Add Light to Your Living Space. Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Especially at night, be sure to have adequate lighting in the event that you need to get up in the night. This should include night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, and hallways, as well as convenient touch lamps on your bed stands. Always turn on light switches before going down a set of stairs. Store flashlights in convenient, easy-to-find places in case of a power outage.
Wear Sensible Shoes. Walking in the home barefoot or in just your socks are both fall hazards. Wear a properly fitting pair of sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles. Throw out old slippers, high heels, flip-flops, or shoes with slick bottoms. Money spent to replace old worn-out shoes is well worth the cost to reduce your risk of fall.
Do a Home Safety Makeover. As you age, a few simple home improvements can make a big difference. (1) Install handrails on BOTH sides of stairways. (2) Purchase a raised toilet seat for standard, lower toilets. (3) Install secure grab bars for the shower, tub, and toilet area. (4) Add nonslip treads to wooden steps. (5) Install anti-slip adhesive strips to your bathtub or shower floor. (6) Hire someone to fix sidewalk cracks and clean mossy walkways. (7) As much as possible, rearrange your home so all of your daily activities take place on one level of the home. By reducing your trips up and down the stairs, you will be reducing your risk of a fall.
In addition to each of the above-mentioned tips, one of the most important tips for fall prevention is to simply slow down your movements and be mindful of your surroundings. Falls can cause major injury and disability at any age, but especially as one ages. Do not wait until a fall happens to make a change. Consider making one or two changes from the list above to reduce your risk of a fall, and then take the action to make it happen.
Visit Falls Free Wisconsin online at www.FallsFreeWI.org to learn more ways to reduce your risk of a fall.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.
