5 Ways to Make Your Home Fall-Proof
At NY Foot Health, as we continue to recognize Falls Prevention Week 2020, we want to dispel a myth many senior patients believe: if I just stay home, I don’t have to worry about falling. Studies show that 6 out of 10 falls occur in the home! Don’t let that make you more fearful, however. There are many actions you can take to make your home safer. Below are five improvements that will help make your home fall-proof.
Clear the clutter. Do a walk-through of your home and get rid of piles of books, papers, clothes, and any other items that can be a tripping hazard. Remove low-to-the-ground plants and magazine racks. Look for cords that may cross walkways. Ask a friend or family member to do this with you and act as a second set of eyes.
Let there be light. What you can’t see can hurt you. Add extra lighting to stairs and hallways, as well as exterior entrances. Be sure you can turn on a light from your bed and keep a flashlight on your nightstand if there is a power outage.
Prevent bathroom slips and slides. Install grab bars around your toilet and for the tub. Put no-stick strips on the shower/tub floor. Make sure you can easily reach a towel to dry off and avoid water puddling on the floor. Put in a night light so you can see your way in the dark.
Keep it within reach. Place items you use daily on low shelves or counters where you can quickly get to them. If you need to get an item that is higher up, use a “reach stick,” a specially designed grabber on a pole available at most hardware stores, or ask someone else to get it. Avoid step stools and climbing.
Consider a wearable alert device. Fear of falling can make you nervous and increase your risk of stumbling. Getting a medical alert or fall detector that you wear may give you peace of mind, knowing if you do fall, you have a way of getting help quickly. It is particularly helpful if you live alone.
Senior health is important to all of us! If you need more information on preventing falls, contact us, and subscribe to our free e-newsletter. Use our online directory if you need to find a podiatrist in your area.