Falls prevention and management is one of our key focus areas when assessing and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our clients within their own homes. In this blog post, we will share a number of practical steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of falls and create a safer living environment overall.
1. Optimise physical strength and condition
By sustaining good nutrition, preventing dehydration and doing regular exercise, you can help prevent muscle and bone density loss, stabilise blood pressure levels and promote general wellbeing. Focusing on exercises that build strength, balance and flexibility can prove beneficial in reducing the chances of falls around the home. Check out our blog post on the top exercises for seniors for some exercise inspiration!
2. Declutter and use non-slip flooring
Prevent slips and trips by removing slippery or uneven surfaces (consider non-slip tiles for better traction), minimising spills (changing storage containers, using spill proof cups), keeping walkways free of clutter, and making your in-home care consultant aware of any raised or loose edges on carpets or floor surfaces. Loose rugs, cords, and other potential obstacles should also be secured or removed. In addition, opt for furniture with rounded edges to minimise the impact of potential falls.
3. Keep commonly used items close by
Do you have an easily accessible light switch next to your bed? Is the remote control or reading material within reaching distance from your favourite place to sit? Do you always
have your walking aid close to you so you don’t have to go far to safely use it? Keeping these items close-by will help prevent unnecessary strains and falls in the home.
4. Make personal needs easy to attend to
A number of common personal care tips we recommend following to reduce the risk of falls include:
Toileting on a regular schedule to reduce rushing
Wearing clothing that is easily removed and put back on
Asking your care consultant about shower chairs
Installing hand rails in bathrooms and toilet/shower to make things easier
Use non-slip mats in the bathroom
Ensure toiletries are within easy reach to avoid stretching and straining
5. Use Adequate Lighting
Ensuring proper lighting throughout the home is crucial. Install brighter bulbs, use night lights in hallways and bathrooms, and consider motion-sensor lights that activate when someone enters a room. This simple step can prevent many stumbles and accidents.
6. Use Supportive Equipment
Depending on individual needs, our senior clients may benefit from assistive devices such as walking sticks or walkers. We suggest consulting with your healthcare professional to determine the most suitable equipment and ensure it is used correctly.
We hope our tips will assist you or your loved one to make some changes around the home to reduce the risk of falls or injury. Our experienced in-home carers for seniors can assist with any necessary changes- in addition to supporting and assisting with your loved one's daily needs.
To learn more about our in-home care services and how we can assist your loved one at home, Contact Us today.
