As folks age, balance and muscle mass change, meaning they’re less steady on their feet. Reaction time is a bit slower, and stopping a fall may lead to more injuries. Your aging loved ones want to be independent, and if they live alone, you may be concerned that if they fall, they won’t be able to call for help. To keep your loved ones safe inside the home, take a close look at these areas for slips, trips, or things that could cause a fall.
What’s on the floor?
Rugs can brighten up a room and make it cozier, but the edges of rugs, especially those with tears or frays, may be just the thing that can cause a face-plant into the floor. Consider moving rugs away from pathways and look at any areas of laminate or tile that need to be replaced or updated for safety.
Secure extension cords along a baseboard so, in low lit areas, they won’t be a trip hazard.
A stairwell can be treacherous for anyone if you’re not paying attention. Check that handrails are installed and encourage your loved one to go slowly. You may even add gripping treads to the stairs to be extra safe.
What’s in the shower?
Getting both in and out of the shower can be a hazard. Install handrails in your loved one’s shower unit and non-slip bathroom stickers on the floor of your shower. If standing safely is a challenge, put in a shower seat and don’t forget to check that the bathmat has grippers on the bottom.
Are rooms well lit?
To prevent trip hazards, install light sensitive nightlights that turn on immediately at night. Make sure all hallways are well-lit and free of obstacles. Install motion sensor lights outside, so your loved ones will know if someone is approaching their door.
What’s on your feet?
It’s not just what’s on the floor, trip hazards can also come from what you wear on your feet. If shoes are worn out or don’t have any tread on them, or if the sole is worn off unevenly, it can cause issues. Sometimes foot size changes as you age, and your family member may even need to go up a shoe size. Suggest finding new shoes that provide enough support and traction to keep your folks moving safely.
Living in a home that’s easier to navigate will help your aging loved to keep moving. “Remaining physically active helps maintain strength and coordination,” says Jeanna Bjorn, PT, manager, Northern Light Rehabilitation. “Staying active helps compensate for the age-related changes of decreased vision, balance, and overall stability of our walking and movement. If a person has frequent falls, request a physical therapy referral. A therapist can help assess specific issues and teach additional strategies to keep your loved one safely moving and independent.”
Consider reviewing this list with your aging family members and see if you can make some changes together that will give you peace of mind and keep your loved one living at home safely.
To learn about LiveSafe Emergency Response Service, visit northernlighthealth.org/LiveSafe.
To learn more about taking care of loved ones as they age, please visit our Caregiving site at northernlighthealth.org/caregiving.