Fall Prevention for Seniors: Home Safety Guide

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, but most are preventable with proper home modifications and awareness. This guide helps families in Plymouth create safer home environments.

Assess fall risks in every room. Look for loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter in walkways, unstable furniture, slippery floors, and lack of grab bars. A professional home safety assessment can identify hidden hazards.

Bathroom modifications are critical. Install grab bars near toilets and in showers, use non-slip mats, ensure adequate lighting, consider a raised toilet seat, and install a handheld showerhead for easier bathing.

Improve lighting throughout the home. Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Install light switches at both ends of stairs. Ensure outdoor paths and entryways are well-lit. Consider motion-sensor lights.

Stair safety is essential. Install secure handrails on both sides, ensure treads are non-slip, mark step edges with bright tape, keep stairs clear of clutter, and consider a stairlift for those with mobility challenges.

Remove trip hazards. Secure loose rugs with non-slip backing, eliminate clutter, tuck away electrical cords, ensure carpets are in good repair, and arrange furniture to create clear pathways.

Encourage proper footwear. Non-slip shoes with good support reduce fall risk. Avoid loose slippers, high heels, or walking in socks on smooth floors.

Regular vision and medication reviews help prevent falls. Poor vision and certain medications increase fall risk. Silver Home Health Services can coordinate with healthcare providers to address these factors while providing supervision and assistance with daily activities.