Premises Liability Lawyer
For those caring for a senior, the worrying possibility of a slip and fall always seems to be on the horizon as a premises liability lawyer well knows. This worry is especially relevant if your loved one has decided on an aging in place strategy. According to the National Council of Aging, over 60% of senior falls occur inside their own house.
With that understanding, it becomes pertinent to actively make your elderly loved one’s home as fall-proof as possible. While there are no ways to absolutely fall-proof a home, the Home Care Nursing specialists have provided seven ideas to promote fall prevention within the home.
- Install graspable bars in the bathroom
The bathroom is statistically one of the most likely places for a fall to happen. Slippery tiles and water puddles often coalesce to create a scenario for a slip and fall. You can help mitigate this by installing grab bars near the bathroom and shower for easy mobility.
- Brighten the lighting
To help lessen the possibility of a fall, it helps to brighten any dim corners. Replace light bulbs and ensure that entryways, exits, and stairs are illuminated.
- Create clear pathways
For senior homes, it helps to ensure that heavily trafficked areas have clear pathways. Move furniture, rugs, and any sharp corners out of the way. The goal is to have a three foot wide pathway to get from room to room with no obstacles.
- Enlist the help of a home health aide
Sometimes the best way to help with fall prevention is another pair of eyes! A home health aide can be with your aging loved one when you cannot. They will conduct wellness checks, ensure safe passage from room to room, and help with other fall-preventative measures.
- Use rubber backed rugs
Rugs can be a major trip hazard if they do not grip the floor. Replace all loose rugs for ones that have a rubber backing. This will add traction to the rug and be less of a possibility of a trip and fall.
- Regularly de-clutter
One of the best ways to ensure a home is fall-proof is to regularly declutter. Make sure grandchildren know to put their toys away, put laundry away after folding it, etc.
- Keep heavily used objects in arm’s reach
To ensure that your loved one is never in a situation where they are overextending, keep all objects within arms reach. Have nightstands close to the bed, move pertinent documents to lower shelves, etc.
