Did you know that falling is the leading cause of death and injury among those over the age of 65?
Falls are harmful for older adults not just because they can result in broken bones and other injuries, but also because they can lead to fear, depression, and decreased physical activity (which leads to even more vulnerability for falling)!
And most falls can be prevented.
If you or your parents have made a decision to remain in your home, there are several steps to take that will reduce your risk of falling. And the first step is simply walking through your home and noting:
- areas without adequate lighting
- stairs, steps, or any areas with uneven flooring
- rugs without non-slip backing
- bathrooms without grab bars by the toilet & shower or bath
- showers without a seat / bench and a hand-held shower head
These are some of the most dangerous areas of a home for those with declining balance, strength, and eyesight and should be paid close attention to.
During your walk-though, there were probably many things you didn’t notice or think about that can seriously impact the risk of falling. That is why we recommend having a specialist (like Smart Accessible Living) walk through your home to make safety recommendations through our complimentary assessment.
Some of the fixes that may be suggested are inexpensive – like adding grab bars, removing obstacles, and increasing lighting in dim areas. Others may require a more complex remodel of the home. Either way, when you have a professional point out the potential hazards of your home and then you take the appropriate steps to making it more safe, you’ll be able to live at home with less worry and risk of injury from falling. And that leads to a happier, healthier & longer life!
Read more about preventing falls on the National Council on Aging Fall Prevention website!
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