Falls are among the most prevalent injuries incurred by seniors. For older adults, mobility issues involving problems with strength and balance are often the causes of those falls. Sadly, many elderly people who fall sustain very serious injuries. Needless to say, if you live with an older adult, it’s vital you find ways to prevent him/her from slipping and falling. What should be done?
Safeguard your kitchen.
It goes without saying that the kitchen is full of potential dangers. Between the burners of the stove and the sharp utensils in the drawers, there are many ways a person can get injured. As well, kitchens are known for their tiled floors. Such slippery surfaces can cause a person who with mobility issues to slip and fall. Place non-slip mats on the floor and be sure to keep knives and other potentially harmful objects safely stored.
“Move items in your cabinets so that the things you use a lot are on the lower shelves (about waist level),” recommends HealthLinkBC,” If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.”
Take steps to improve your health.
One of the best possible ways to prevent falls is to ensure that you are in good health. By maintaining good body weight, improving your strength and correcting your vision, you stand an excellent chance of avoiding mishaps in your home. MyHealth.Alberta.ca encourages people to get enough vitamin D and calcium in order to keep their bones strong. As well, the site recommends getting your vision and hearing checked once a year.
“If you tend to feel light-headed when you stand up quickly, take the time to get up slowly from your bed or chair,” MyHealth.Alberta.ca also advises, “When you wake up, it may help to sit up first and count slowly to 10 before you try to stand up. And after you stand up, stay still for a few seconds before you move. If you are very weak or dizzy, don’t try to walk around. Instead, see your doctor as soon as possible.”
Keep your staircases clear.
It sounds like obvious advice that doesn’t need to be shared. But it’s important we share it nonetheless. Your staircases should have nothing on them. Period. There is no reason to keep any items on your steps. We’re talking about clothes, toys, books, shoes – you name it. By keeping your staircases clear, you ensure that there are no tripping hazards. This is especially important for individuals with vision impairments.
“Fix loose, broken, or uneven steps,” advises HealthLinkBC, “Make sure you have plenty of light in stairways. Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow. If you have burned-out lights in the stairway, have a friend or family member change the bulbs. Make sure that the carpet is firmly attached to every step. Or you can remove the carpet and attach rubber treads to the stairs to prevent slips.”
Install a stair lift.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we believe that stair lifts are the perfect preventers of slips and falls. We carry high-quality stair lifts that are designed to fit staircases of all kinds. They can be made to work with straight or curved staircases regardless of the number of steps they contain. For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
