Your home can be a haven of comfort and safety—not secret
dangers. An occupational therapist can evaluate your home and recommend easy
but effective changes. Adding grab bars in the bathroom, anchoring rugs,
increasing lighting, and repositioning furniture to make paths clear are all
simple steps to minimize hazards. For individuals at greater risk of severe
injury from falls, hip protectors can offer extra protection and reassurance.
Making Your Home Fall-Proof
Bathroom: Unstable and Slippery Floors
The bathroom is also a high-risk area for falls due to wet,
slippery floors. Small changes can make a big difference:
Place grab bars beside the toilet and inside the shower or
bathtub for extra support.
Place non-slip mats inside and around the shower or bathtub
to prevent slipping.
Install a shower chair or a handheld showerhead for more
comfortable, easier bathing.
A raised toilet seat with armrests might make raising and
lowering easier.
Bedroom: Insufficient Lighting and Unexpected Barriers
A poorly lit bedroom can make a nighttime bathroom trip
perilous. Some simple remedies:
Put a lamp within reach of your bed so you can flip it on
when you get up.
Nightlights in bathrooms and hallways assist.
Keep shoes, blankets, and other barriers off the floor.
Make your bed the correct height—too high or too low is
difficult to get into and out of.
Floors and Walkways: Hidden Dangers Everywhere
Falls also happen in the daily living areas because of
slight hazards we don’t notice until it is too late:
Secure or remove throw rugs, or stick them down with
double-sided tape.
Make carpets firmly anchored, with no loose edges or curled
corners.
Keep cords and wires close to walls—not along Travel paths.
Position frequently used items within easy reach to avoid
excess reaching or bending.
Don’t use a chair or step stool to reach high places—use a
secure step ladder with a handle for extra support.
Stairs: A Preeminent Fall Risk
Walking this way can be dangerous, especially if the stairs
are poorly lit or lack secure handrails. Reduce the risk by:
Installing full-length, solid handrails on both sides of the
stairs.
Removing clutter from stairs, including shoes, books, or
other ornaments.
Installing bright lighting at both the top and bottom of stairs.
Painting step edges with high-contrast tape or non-slip
treads.
Kitchen: Spills and Storage Problems
The kitchen presents a unique danger of falling, from slippery
spills to out-of-reach items. To be safe:
Clean up spills right away to prevent slippery floors.
Place everyday household objects at waist or shoulder height
to prevent bending and stretching.
Instead of climbing, utilize a grabber gadget to pick up
objects from high shelves.
Select non-slip floor mats instead of free rugs.
Outdoor Spaces: Turbulent Ground and Harsh Weather
Conditions
Falling is not just an interior hazard—your driveway,
stairs, and yard also can be hazardous, especially when the weather becomes
challenging. Consider:
Well-lit, non-slip walkways and driveways, no cracks or
uneven ground.
Installing railings on doors and stairs.
Making walkways ice, snow, and wet leaf-free.
Wear non-slip sturdy shoes when venturing out.
By doing these easy steps, you can make your home a much
safer home so that you can move around freely and safely. By doing these easy
modifications today, you can prevent falls before they happen and live in your
home with confidence!
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
Notifications
