How to Prevent Falls at Home for Elderly People

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury in the home. Elderly persons are not necessarily more likely to fall in the home, but if they do fall, their injuries could be more serious, even life-threatening. How can you help to prevent falls in the home?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Tour the home and evaluate each room. Many falls occur due to darkness or loose objects on the floor. Make sure that all light fixtures and switches are working properly and that the lightbulbs are bright enough to provide clear lighting throughout all rooms and stairways.
2. Wear sturdy shoes in the house especially when walking up or down stairs. Socks and slippers can cause a person to slip on the stairs.
3. Look for things that someone might trip over. Remove area rugs. Do not run electrical cords and wires underneath carpets or across the room to prevent tripping on cords. When using an electrical appliance with a cord, do not allow cord to dangle down and be tripped over. Put away corded applianaces (vacuum cleaners, blowdryers, heating pads).
4. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed at all times.
5. Keep dishwasher door closed at all times when not actively loading or unloading. Keep clothes dryer door closed. These are common things persons trip over.
6. If getting up in the middle of the night, have nightlights available in every room and hallways, but it is better to turn on the ceiling lights to avoid tripping while in a sleepy state.
7. Follow physician's instructions about getting up slowly. First sit up in bed for a few minutes, then move legs off edge of bed and sit on edge of bed for a few minutes, then stand up. Consult a physician for further details.
8. Use safe techniques when using ladders and stepstools. Do not stand on kitchen chairs or other household furniture. Ask for help in changing lightbulbs or reaching items in high cabinets.