12th of June, 2017
Fall-Prevention for the Elderly:
As people age, their bones become more brittle and soft. Their gait also becomes more unsteady and balance becomes poor. This leads to unexpected falls and broken bones. Unfortunately, in the elderly, broken bones do not heal quickly or easily and can lead to permanent disability.
To prevent falls in the home and help them maintain their long-term independence, here are some tips:Furniture should not be in the way where there is a lot of foot traffic. Rugs should be removed or secured using anti-slip backings. These backings can be bought in any supply store or online and put on the back of the rug. Tape or remove any loose wires, such as phone wires or internet cables, to prevent falls that way as well. Keep all objects off the floor and keep the apartment/house well-lit.
Bedrooms should be well-lit as well and there should be a lamp next to the bed, available for easy reach. A night light is also recommended to use. Night lights are cheap and affordable and provide a constant, dim light in a room for children as well as the elderly or those who have fears of the dark. Have a bed that is low to the floor so getting in and out of the bed is less challenging.
Bathrooms are the most important place in the home to safe-proof for the elderly. There are many dangers lurking that can cause a fall. For instance, use a non-slip mat or sticky strips in the tub to prevent falling when it gets wet and slippery. Grab bars are important to install outside the tub/shower as well as inside. This will allow a person to steady themselves when showering. A removable seat would also be recommended so sitting down while bathing could an option.
The same tips should be used in other areas of the home. It is important that if an individual does fall, that they have a way of calling for help. This could be by using a personal alarm system or by always carrying a cell phone with them.
We hope these tips prevent future falls for your loved ones.