If you or your loved ones are getting on in years, the health risks that come with age may begin to concern you. One of these risks is falling, which becomes more harmful to your health as you grow older. Fall risks can hide in plain sight in an elder’s home, so it’s essential to take precautions to make homes more fall-proof. Here are some ways you can minimize an elder’s chances of falling at home for yourself or your loved ones.
Help Them Stay Active
As we age, our strength gradually decreases as our muscle mass decreases. Losing strength naturally leads to a higher risk of falling in all aging adults. Helping your loved ones stay active can promote healthy muscle tissue and strength. Regular walking, stretching, and training improve strength, balance, and other factors to help elders lower their chances of falling.
Remove Hazards Around Their Home
The average home contains many objects that can pose tripping and falling risks to older adults. Even clutter and misplaced items can become hazards. This is why it’s crucial to prevent clutter and keep rooms and walkways clean. To make your loved one’s home safer, inspect each room, hallway, and entrance for common dangers such as clutter, stray electrical cables, loose rugs, uneven floorboards, and more. Preventing clutter is one of the benefits of hiring an in-home care service that can help inspect elders’ homesteads for fall hazards.
Upgrade Their Home/Use Assistive Accessories
Depending on your loved one’s age and mobility levels, their healthcare provider may recommend using assistive devices for extra support. These devices could include items such as walkers or home upgrades that promote easier movement. For example, you may need to install handrails for climbing stairs, treads or carpeting on wood floors, walk-in showers or baths, and grab bars for multiple areas throughout the home.
It’s crucial for every aging adult and their families to be aware of the health risks that come with age, including falls, and how to prevent them. With these tips and health strategies, you can help minimize the chances of your loved ones experiencing a fall at home.
