September is Fall Prevention Month. According to the National Institute on Aging, the risk of falling increases with age and more than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year.
A fall is often the top reason independent seniors lose mobility and begin to fade from good health. Perils in a home add up over time and increase the risk of accidents, but while a fall is unpredictable, regular home safety checks help lower the odds and keep seniors safe.
September 18-22, 2023, is also Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.
In the bathroom, ensure that any floor mats are non-skid and install grab bars and automatic nightlights to make it easier for your senior to navigate the space independently.
In the kitchen, confirm that appliances are in good working order and within reach- no one (of any age) should be climbing to get the crockpot down from that cabinet above the fridge! Kitchens tend to gather gadgets. Work with your loved one to determine what tools and utensils are regularly used and what ones can be removed from the drawer so that it is streamlined to meet your loved one’s needs and create ease of mobility in the kitchen.
In the bedroom, remove any clothes and accessories from the floor, and place daily dressing and grooming needs where they can be quickly accessed. Ensure that there is a light source within reach of the bed that can easily be turned on and off, as well as a bedside stand where a phone and other pertinent emergency contact measures can be placed before sleep. It is crucial to ensure that the bed is fully accessible and safe to get in and out of.
Look the entire living space over and ensure there are no tripping hazards on the floors, such as cords, loose rugs, or upturned floorboards. See that windows are not challenging to open and close.
Even with ideal safety features in place, falls may still happen. Be prepared for a fall emergency! Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and the like should be fully charged and accessible. House numbers should be visible from the street 24 hours a day so emergency services can easily locate the home.