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Preventing Falls - Safety in the Home

elderly couple
Falls are the main reason older adults lose their independence. There are ways to prevent falls in your home by making simple changes around your home, exercising regularly, having your vision checked and having your medications reviewed by your healthcare provider. You may also benefit from having an Occupational Therapist complete a home safety assessment. Contact Our Office to find out more.

Here are some ways to prevent falls and maintain your independence:

1.Make Your Home Safer

  • Remove small throw rugs and secure all rugs to the floor with double-sided tape
  • Remove things you can trip over, such as books or shoes, from stairs and places where you walk
  • Have grab bars installed in your tub or shower and next to the toilet
  • Ensure there are sturdy handrails for indoor and outdoor stairs
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
  • Keep items you use often where you can reach them without use a step stool
  • Improve the lighting in your home, especially on the stairs

2.Medications

  • Have your doctor or pharmacist review the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines
  • Avoid mixing alcohol with medications

3.Exercise

  • Be active every day; exercise will improve your strength and balance
  • Walk regularly if you can and find an activity you enjoy
  • Even a few minutes count! Ten minutes of activity a few times a day adds up

Nutrition

  • Consult with your doctor, nutritionist or dietician about the best diet for you
  • Eat regular healthy meals with lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water

4.Vision

Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. See an eye doctor at least once a year to review your prescription and be checked for glaucoma.

If You’ve Fallen Before…

About one-third of people aged 65 years and over typically fall once or more per year. You are at higher risk of falling if you’ve fallen before.

Find out why you fell. Tell your healthcare provider if you’ve fallen. A fall can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Don’t let the fear of falling prevent you from being active. Inactivity actually increases your risk of falling.

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Home safety from Creative Therapy's occupational therapists.

Home Management and Safety

By info • September 26, 2019
Illness, injury, surgery or aging can all affect our ability to function safely and independently within our own homes. An Occupational Therapist can work with you to ensure that your home is safe and functional. After assessing the environment and the activities you do each day, they will make recommendations to reduce the risk of falls or injuries in your home, or to make it easier for you to complete everyday tasks. This might include suggestions such as improving lighting or removing small rugs that could cause tripping, or recommendations for assistive devices or equipment, such as grab bars in the bathroom, to make it easier and safer to transfer to the tub or shower for safer bathing. Falls account for 85% of hospital emergency room admissions for people over the age of 65. For suggestions on how to make your home safer, read Preventing Falls -- Safety in the Home , and arrange to have an Occupational Therapist complete a home safety assessment by contacting our office, or your healthcare provider.
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