Falling at home is a terrifying prospect. The thought of losing balance, tripping over an unseen object, or slipping in the bathroom can be enough to send shivers down your spine.
It's a fear that many of us live with, particularly those of us who are older or have mobility issues. But it doesn't have to be this way.
There are practical steps you can take to prevent falls around your home and create a safer living environment.
This blog post is dedicated to helping you understand and implement modifications that can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Remove Clutter
Removing clutter is an effective strategy to prevent falls around your home.
Cluttered surroundings pose a significant tripping hazard, particularly in high-traffic areas such as hallways, staircases, and living rooms.
Objects left on the floor, excessive furniture and piles of books or magazines can easily lead to slips and trips. By maintaining a clean and organized home, you immediately eliminate these potential risks, making it safer to navigate, especially for those with impaired mobility.
It's important to remember that mitigating fall risks around the home is not just about immediate safety, but also about ensuring a longer, healthier, and more independent life. Regular decluttering should be an integral part of your strategy to prevent falls around your home.
Improve Lighting
Improving lighting is a crucial step to prevent falls around your home. Adequate lighting can greatly enhance visibility and help you safely navigate through your living spaces.
This is particularly vital during nighttime when the likelihood of accidents can substantially increase. For instance, creating well-lit pathways from the bedroom to the bathroom is essential, especially when you need to use the loo during the night.
This can be achieved by installing night lights or motion sensor lights that automatically illuminate the path when movement is detected.
You may also consider adding extra light fixtures or using high-wattage bulbs to ensure all areas of your home are sufficiently lit.
Remember, proper lighting does not only make your home aesthetically pleasant, but it's also a practical measure to prevent falls around your home.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Installing non-slip surfaces is another effective measure to prevent falls around your home. This is particularly important in areas that frequently become wet, such as the bathroom or the kitchen.
Non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub, and non-slip tiles on the bathroom floor can significantly reduce the risk of slipping. In the kitchen, consider using non-slip mats with rubber backing to keep them securely in place.
Non-slip surfaces offer better grip and stability, contributing to a safer home environment.
Remember, every step you take towards implementing fall-prevention measures helps to build a home that supports your independence and wellness.
Grab Handles
Installing grab handles is an essential measure for enhancing safety and preventing falls at home.
These aids can be particularly beneficial in rooms where balance is integral, such as in the bathroom or the stairs. In the bathroom, a grab handle near the toilet, shower, or bathtub can provide the necessary support to safely navigate these potentially slippery areas.
On staircases, handrails on both sides can offer additional balance and stability while ascending or descending. Installing grab handles in these key areas can significantly reduce the risk of falls, thus contributing to a more secure and independent living environment.
Clear Paths
Clearing defined paths is another effective strategy to prevent falls around your home. In each room and passage in your house, ensure there are designated paths free of obstacles like cords, toys, or other items that can cause trips and falls.
By doing so, you create safe passages that allow easy navigation throughout your home, especially in low visibility conditions or during nighttime.
This is even more important for seniors who may have vision or mobility issues. Maintaining clear paths is an easy yet powerful measure for enhancing safety and independence, and it plays a key role in your efforts to prevent falls around your home.
Want To Prevent Falls In Your Future?
Right now at FYZICAL, we're offering a free balance assessment to help you feel more confident on your feet and prevent falls that could lead to serious injury and potential loss of independence.
We understand it can sometimes be daunting to take your health into your own hands and seek help, but that's why we're here! We'll support you through every step of the process and make sure your worries are put at ease.
During your free balance assessment, you'll be able to talk to a physical therapy expert and ask all of your questions and we'll be able to help you get back to feeling strong on your feet, and provide you with the very best treatment options to suit you and your recovery!
If this problem has gone on too long and you're ready for some answers call our Waukesha clinic at 62-349-9297 to arrange your free balance assessment.
Other Free Resources To Prevent Falls
Take our Fight The Fall Quiz where you can quickly find out your fall risk, and receive some free expert advice about preventing falls in the elderly and younger individuals struggling with their balance and coordination.
Read Our Blog - Increase Your Balance And Stability In 5 Simple Steps
Follow Us On Social Media - FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers- Waukesha