How to Modify All Areas of the Home for Fall Prevention

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of injury when it comes to adults 65 and older. Although fall risk increases with age, falling is not inevitable. The best ways to lower your risk include staying active, medication management, and home modifications. Modifying your home for fall prevention involves changing the environment to reduce accidents and make activities of daily living easier to perform.

Within the home, the most common places in which falls occur include the living room, bedroom, bathroom, hallways and kitchen. Out of these areas, bathrooms pose the highest risk because bathroom floors are more likely to be slippery. Here are room-by-room modifications you can make to promote safety within the home.

Bathroom

• Mount grab bars inside or outside of the shower in a way that will maximize support. The shower entrance, back wall, and nearby the showerhead are common places for grab bars. 

• Place non-slip mats on the floor of the bathroom and in the shower tub. 

• Consider installing a raised toilet seat that will increase the height of your toilet, making it easier to sit and stand on.

• Install a motion-sensor light in the bathroom that will light up when you need to use the toilet at night.

Bedroom

• Move night lights and light switches so that they are easily accessible from your bed.

• Adjust your bed to a height at which you're able to rest your feet flat on the floor when sitting at the edge of it.

• Store a flashlight by your bed. If the power goes out and you need to get up, it will come in handy.

Living Room 

• Use a nonslip rug pad to anchor your rug and prevent it from moving.

• Bundle your electrical cords with ties and clip them to furniture or walls so they don't intrude on walking paths.

• Arrange your furniture to create clear walkways and make sure heavy furniture is stabilized.

Kitchen

• Use non-slip mats in the kitchen.

• Place frequently-used pots, pans, and other kitchenware in easily accessible areas.

• Add shelves, risers, drawer organizers, and door organizers to organize items so they are easy to reach.

How Presidio Can Help

Presidio Home Care Aides are thoroughly trained in fall prevention strategies. From assisting your loved one with balance exercises, to providing medication reminders, to mitigating falling hazards within the home, our Aides can play a crucial role in keeping your loved ones safe. Contact us today to learn more.