Easy Ways To Decrease Fall Risks In The Home
Falls happen more often than you think. Some result in minor injuries and some with very serious ones. It is such an important subject that I want to continue to shed light on the small changes that caregivers can make in the home to improve safety.
According to the CDC, Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.
About 36 million older adults fall year — resulting in more tan 32,000 deaths. Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments from a fall injury. One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
It’s time to continue to be proactive. Making changes in the home can help to reduce fall and tripping hazards.
Three Ways to Reduce Falls Risks In The Home:
Remove cords that cross the walking path. Extension cords and phone charger cords which extend into a walking path in the home can result in tripping.
Remove throw rugs and area rugs that are not secured to the floor. Walkers and cane can become entangled in loose rugs and result in tripping and falling.
Wear proper non-skid footwear. Avoid walking in socks that do not have non-skid surfaces. Walking in socks on hard floor surfaces can result in loss of balance and result in falls.
Remove clutter from floors. Clothes and blankets which fall in walking path or on the floor near chairs and the bed can result in falls. Feet can become entangled in the clothes or blanket and result in a fall.
Bottom line: Falls can be prevented by making small changes in the home. These changes do not cost you money, there is no equipment to buy, it just takes a little time on your part to look around to see if any of these hazards exist. Making these changes can improve your loved one’s ability to remain injury-free and improve safety in their home. Making the changes now can prevent an expensive cost later.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver
Listen to the Caregiver’s Finding A Foothold Episode 29: Easy Ways To Decrease Fall Risks In The Home. The podcast is available on the FindingAFoothold.com website and on all major podcast streaming sites.
Visit the FindingAFoothold.com. Call the call-in line to tell your caregiving challenge and receive a free response to your struggle on an upcoming podcast show. The call in button is located on the website.
Visit the consult page of the website, find out how to schedule a free 15 minute consult to discuss in more depth your caregiving challenge and learn how to receive help developing a caregiving plan specific for your needs.
Subscribe to the podcast. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram.
Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.