When a younger person falls, all that he or she may be left with are a few bruises and a sore posterior. However, when seniors fall, far more serious concerns arise. Seniors may be left with broken bones from any type of fall because their bones are so much more brittle. In addition, falls can even be deadly with many of them linked to head injuries. Once a senior falls for the first time, the CDC says that his or her risk of falling doubles again. Thankfully, there are several simple ways that seniors or their caregivers can significantly reduce this risk.
Keep a Clean Home
Clutter impedes walking space and greatly increases the hazards of falling. In particular, hallways and stairways should be free of extra belongings.
Install Railing and Bars
Railings and grab bars located in key spots throughout the home can help seniors maintain their balance in slippery areas. In particular, bathrooms should have grab bars by the toilet and in the shower or tub. Railings can also be installed in hallways and on both sides of stairways.
Get Rid of Hazardous Floor Coverings
Rugs are incredible tripping hazards especially when they do not have non-slip backings. Ensure that all rugs have rubberized backings, and get rid of rugs in hallways.
Move to a One-Level Dwelling
Seniors who live in two-story homes should try to live on one floor if at all possible. However,February Blog – SBCP Home Care
Tips for Preventing Falls in Seniors
When a younger person falls, all that he or she may be left with are a few bruises and a sore posterior. However, when seniors fall, far more serious concerns arise. Seniors may be left with broken bones from any type of fall because their bones are so much more brittle. In addition, falls can even be deadly with many of them linked to head injuries. Once a senior falls for the first time, the CDC says that his or her risk of falling doubles again. Thankfully, there are several simple ways that seniors or their caregivers can significantly reduce this risk.
Keep a Clean Home
Clutter impedes walking space and greatly increases the hazards of falling. In particular, hallways and stairways should be free of extra belongings.
Install Railing and Bars
Railings and grab bars located in key spots throughout the home can help seniors maintain their balance in slippery areas. In particular, bathrooms should have grab bars by the toilet and in the shower or tub. Railings can also be installed in hallways and on both sides of stairways.
Get Rid of Hazardous Floor Coverings
Rugs are incredible tripping hazards especially when they do not have non-slip backings. Ensure that all rugs have rubberized backings, and get rid of rugs in hallways.
Move to a One-Level Dwelling
Seniors who live in two-story homes should try to live on one floor if at all possible. However, if the bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen are not all on the main floor, seniors may want to consider moving to a one-level home.
Keep up with Exercise
Surprisingly, continuing to exercise can do much to reduce trips and falls. Exercise keeps the body limber, the joints flexible and the entire body strong and well-balanced.
Check with a Doctor
Seniors who are feeling off-balance or dizzy should check with a doctor to ensure that they do not have a disease process or a prescription medication that is causing this.
For seniors, fall prevention is about more than just avoiding a few bruises. Instead, it can be the difference between life and death or between living as an invalid or maintaining a high quality of life. By taking some time to consider changes that can be made in your home or in the home of your elderly friend, you can greatly reduce the risk from this danger.s if the bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen are not all on the main floor, seniors may want to consider moving to a one-level home.
Keep up with Exercise
Surprisingly, continuing to exercise can do much to reduce trips and falls. Exercise keeps the body limber, the joints flexible and the entire body strong and well-balanced.
Check with a Doctor
Seniors who are feeling off-balance or dizzy should check with a doctor to ensure that they do not have a disease process or a prescription medication that is causing this.
