Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among older adults. Annually, more than one million nonfatal fall injuries among adults aged 65 years or older. While falls can occur anywhere, they are often associated with houses with stairs or steps, limited lighting, and poor visibility, rugs on hard floors—especially in the kitchen and bathroom—and loose throw rugs near chairs and beds. The good news is that you can take simple measures to prevent falls in retirement communities in Linden, GA, or your home by modifying certain areas of your house or apartment building that pose hazards for those who may be less steady on their feet or less aware of their surroundings when moving around indoors.
The bathroom
Private homes: The bathroom is a room in the house that requires a little extra attention. You can install grab bars or a rail in the shower, tub and toilet so that aging adults can easily reach them if they need to support themselves while standing. Another fall prevention tip for the bathroom involves using non-slip mats on any wet surfaces such as the bathtub and sink area.
Senior living communities: A bathroom that has been designed with accessibility in mind will help residents prevent falls from occurring. The following are some tips for making sure that your senior living community’s bathroom meets all of your resident’s needs:
Make sure the bathroom is well lit. This can be done by installing lighting above the sink and mirror area and in other places where there are potential hazards (such as next to water fountains). It’s also essential that you install lights on both sides of doors so you can see someone coming toward you if they walk into an area where they don’t belong or another dangerous location within your community’s building structure.
Keep clutter off floors at all times! Clutter increases the risk significantly because it makes walking difficult and may cause someone unsteady on their feet not even know what exactly tripped them up since there was so much stuff going on around them at once!
And finally, if you have cabinets with doors that open inwards (a common design choice), place two non-skid pads on the cabinet floor, so it does not tip forward when you pull open the door.
The kitchen
Private homes: To prevent falls in the kitchen, you can use non-slip mats under rugs and carpets. Also, use non-skid strips on the bottom of the furniture legs. If a chair without wheels is at your disposal, make sure it has a rubber or plastic pad on its feet to avoid slipping.
Senior living communities: It’s essential to make sure that your kitchen is well lit and that there are no tripping hazards. Make sure you have non-slip mats on the floor and use lighted paths if you often need to go in and out of your kitchen.
Use non-slip mats on all areas where people walk around in wet or slippery conditions, including baths/showers and near sinks/toilets, so they don’t fall or slip over when walking across them.
Accessible hallways and stairs
Private homes: One way to reduce your risk of falling is by ensuring that your hallways and stairs are accessible. Make sure there is plenty of space for maneuvering, and install non-slip mats or strips on steps and floors. In addition, use handrails when possible and keep pathways clear of obstacles.
Senior living communities: For those living in senior living communities, it’s essential to take extra precautions to avoid falls.
In addition to taking precautions inside the home, some things can be done outside. For example, keeping sidewalks and driveways free of ice and snow is crucial for preventing falls. And when walking in public areas, it is important to be aware of potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces or potholes in the pavement.
It is also important to stay physically active, as this can help improve balance and coordination. Try incorporating exercises such as balance training, yoga, or tai chi into your routine.
