How to Prevent Falls in Aging Adults

Because age tends to result in thinner skin, weaker bones, and more fragile joints, a simple fall can be quite dangerous for a senior. Seniors who fall can end up living with serious health issues for a while, so it’s best to try to prevent falls whenever you can. There are a few things you can do to make the house safer and help your senior loved one prevent falls.

Get Rid of Uneven Flooring

Any time seniors have to raise or lower their feet while walking, they risk falling. If possible, try to install the same level of flooring throughout the house. Doing things like filling in sunken living rooms is particularly helpful, but even small things like removing raised thresholds across doors can help.  A variety of age-related health conditions can make it challenging for aging adults to live independently, but many of the challenges can be managed more easily when families choose professional home care. El Cajon seniors can age in place in safety and comfort with the assistance of expertly trained caregivers from Coast Care Partners.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

A high number of senior falls happen due to low visibility when trying to get out of bed or walk into a dim room. You can greatly reduce this risk with a few simple motion sensors. Motion sensors trigger lights to turn on as soon as they sense movement, which can create a safer environment for seniors. They’re also helpful because they can let caregivers know when a senior is moving around so they can offer assistance if needed.

Clear Out Major Walkways

Think carefully about where your loved one is likely to walk throughout the day, and make sure these regions don’t have tripping hazards. Look at pathways between bedrooms, bathrooms, favorite chairs, and kitchen tables, and make sure these areas are clear of low stools, electric cords, and clutter. If there are any rugs, either move them or install anti-slip backing to keep them firmly attached to the floor.

Put Railings and Grab Bars in Living Spaces

Having something to hold on to can help seniors maintain their balance in certain situations. A few helpful places to have grab bars installed include next to the toilet, in the bathtub, and by the bed. It may also be helpful to install railings along the bedside so your loved one won’t fall out during the night. Make sure there’s a grab bar or railing on staircases, even if the steps are quite small.

Introduce High-Contrast Flooring in Fall Zones

Spots at the top and bottom of stairways or areas where the texture of the flooring changes are more likely to cause falls. Since vision changes during the senior years make it difficult to distinguish between similar colors, your loved one may think items such as carpets and wooden floors in the same shade look almost identical. Using stronger flooring colors that have obvious differences in lightness and darkness can help seniors better identify transition areas where they need to be cautious. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of injuries from falls is to have a caregiver close by. Whether their senior loved ones need assistance a few hours a day or around-the-clock dementia home care, El Cajon families know they can trust the experienced, compassionate caregivers from Coast Care Partners to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable. To learn more about our flexible in-home care services, call one of our friendly representatives today at 619-354-2544.