Common Fall Risks for Elderly People in Their Home

As we age, the risk of falls increase significantly. The consequences of a fall can be especially severe for our elderly loves ones as falling can cause serious injuries like broken bones or a head injury, it can make the person lose their confidence and cause a decrease in their quality of life. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented with a few simple changes and by making people aware of the most common hazards in the home.

Slippery Floors & Wet Surfaces

One of the most common causes of falls in the home is slippery floors. Bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways can be particularly dangerous, especially when the floors are wet or have been recently cleaned.

Some ways to help prevent falls from slippery floors or wet surfaces can be to make sure a non-slip mat is in the bathroom to catch any water after a bath or shower, add non-slip rugs to areas with laminate floor to prevent slips on floor types like these, and if anything is spilt on the floor make sure to clean it up immediately to avoid slipping.

Clutter Spaces

It’s easy for homes to become cluttered over time. Shoes, books, electrical cords, and other objects left in walkways are major tripping hazards for older adults.

To help prevent falls from happening from cluttered spaces you should make sure any walkways are clear of objects that could cause someone to trip. Any loose cords should be secured away so no one can trip over them and furniture should be positioned away from walkways to have enough space to walk through.

Poor Lighting

As we age, our vision often declines, making it harder to see potential hazards in low-light areas. Dimly lit hallways, stairways, and bathrooms can all increase the likelihood of a fall.

It is very important to make sure all rooms, especially hallways and stairs, are well-lit to make sure that people can see when walking through the home to prevent falls. Motion-sensor lights can be a good idea to light up the walkways in the home, especially at night time. Consider buying brighter light bulbs or even adding extra lamps to areas that need the most light to make sure everywhere is visible.

Stairs and Steps

Stairs are a notorious fall hazard, especially if they are uneven, poorly lit, or lack handrails. Falls on stairs can result in serious injuries, so it’s essential to address any hazards related to them.

To make sure stairs are safe from fall risks, ensure that both sides of the stairs have sturdy handrails installed for extra support. Inspect each step to make sure they are level and free of cracks or debris. Contrasting colours on the edge of steps could be a tip to make sure that they are more visible when walking up them to prevent tripping.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms for falls, mainly due to wet floors and the high likelihood of slipping in the shower or bathtub. The lack of proper support can also increase the risk of falls.

Grab bars should be installed in the shower, bath and near the toilet for additional support to prevent falling from being unsteady on their feet. Being unsteady could also be dangerous in the shower or bath so be sure to have a non-slip mat in there to prevent slips. Avoid using a towel or bath mat on the floor that may slip or shift from under the feet.

Unstable Furniture

Furniture that is not properly secured or is too low can be a fall risk. Chairs or couches with soft cushions or low heights can make it difficult for older adults to sit or stand up safely.

Sturdy furniture should be used that is easy for elderly to get in and out of easily to prevent the risk of falling. Any low chairs should be replaced with ones that have firmer cushions and higher seating to enable our loved ones to be able to stand up independently without having to push too high up or fall back down. Check that all furniture is secured properly and doesn’t wobble or tip when leaned on.

Pets

Our pets can be the best companions, but they can also be a tripping hazard, especially if they get underfoot. A cat can dart across the room and suddenly be under your feet, or a dog being too close to you could cause someone to lose their balance and fall.

To prevent falls from pets they should always be under control and possibly left in another room when walking around the home to prevent tripping over them. Pets can often get excited and toys will be left in hallways and walkways round the home so always be wary and check for toys when walking round.

Improper Footwear

Wearing slippers or shoes that are too loose or lack adequate grip can contribute to falls. Slippery soles or ill-fitting shoes can make it difficult to maintain balance and stability.

Be sure to choose well-fitting, non-slip shoes that provide support and comfort. Make sure to avoid wearing socks alone or slippers with slippery soles. Orthopedic footwear could be considered if balance is becoming an issue which will be safer to wear.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, many falls can be prevented with some simple changes and precautions around the home. By recognising common fall hazards and making adjustments, older adults can reduce their risk of falling and maintain a safer living environment. Encourage regular health check-ups, promote physical activity to improve balance and strength, and consider making the home safer with modifications such as grab bars and better lighting.

By taking these steps, the risk of falls can be significantly reduced, helping older adults live more confidently and independently in their own homes.

If you are concerned about your loved one, feel free to contact Homelium on 0333 3448 677 or email hello@homelium.com