5 Ways to Prevent Slip-and-Fall Injuries for Senior Loved Ones

Slips and falls can be serious for seniors, leading to injuries such as head trauma and hip fractures. Factors like worsening eyesight and balance issues may make them more prone to tripping and falling. Thus, fall prevention is an important component of senior care. Fortunately, there are ways to enhance the safety of your parent’s home to help minimize the risk.

How to Help Your Parent Avoid Falls at Home

1. Secure Cords

Cords for lamps and electronics are major trip hazards. Secure any cords by running them under rugs or along walls. If needed, use tape to keep them down. Avoid leaving devices plugged in near the floor.

2. Take Care of Clutter

Piles of magazines, books, or other objects can lead to slips or trips. Designate elevated spaces for all of your loved one’s belongings, and be sure to get rid of any trash that falls on the floor quickly. Try to minimize the amount of furniture in your senior’s living spaces to reduce the risk of tripping over ottomans and tables.

3. Keep It Bright

Ensuring your loved one’s glasses prescription is up to date is a senior care tactic that can help them see clearly. Even people with 20/20 vision will struggle to see in a poorly lit setting. Make sure there’s enough lighting to keep your family member’s home well illuminated, either with natural or artificial light.

4. Install Handrails

Strategically placed handrails are excellent senior care tools that can act as support it slippery or steep areas or in the event they should ever lose their balance. Consider installing these in locations such as the bathroom, including near the toilet and shower, or anywhere there are steps throughout the home.

5. Choose Slip-Proof Flooring

Finally, the flooring itself could present one of the greatest fall hazards in your senior’s home. Make sure rugs are fixed firmly to the floor with tape, especially their edges. Carpeting is an excellent option since it offers traction and a softer surface in the event a fall does happen. In areas that can’t be carpeted, lay small sections of nonskid flooring from a hardware store.