Recovering In The Comfort Of Your Own Home

Three Ways To Keep Your Senior Safe From Slip-And-Fall Hazards

If you've got an elderly loved one in your life who has chosen to age in place, you're probably already aware that the average home needs some renovations in order to provide a safe haven for the elderly. Even if your elderly loved one doesn't have any serious mobility issues, he or she may have diminished eyesight, reduced balance, and slower reflex times, all of which have the potential to increase the chances of slip-and-fall accidents occurring in the home. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help minimize the chances of your senior loved one experiencing a fall in their home.

You probably already know that nonslip flooring and grab bars should be installed in the bathroom and that you should remove throw rugs or place slip-resistant backings on them, but there may be other strategies that you haven't yet thought of. The following are three more ways to help provide as safe an environment as possible as your loved one ages in place.

Ensure Bright Ambient Lighting

Many slip-and-fall mishaps are simply the result of shadowy lighting conditions in the home. Bright ambient lighting is the best way to reduce shadows. Reading lamps can be placed next to your senior's favorite easy chair to provide extra light for reading or doing puzzles, but bright overhead lights should be left on. 

Make Sure That Furnishings Are the Right Height

Most people who decide to age in place keep using the same furniture without giving it much thought. However, furniture such as couches, chairs, and beds often become difficult to get in and out of as seniors develop issues such as arthritis or reduced balance. Furniture that is too high or too low has the potential to create challenges that can lead to slip-and-fall events, so make sure your senior's furniture is at a comfortable height.

Put a Bell on the Collar of Your Senior's Furry Friend

Although pets provide valuable companionship, they can also be easy to trip over. The best way to keep this from happening is to put a bell on their collar so that your senior is warned when the pet is underfoot. You can purchase extra-loud bells that are designed to be worn by outdoor cats in order to keep wild birds safe. A pet can also wear two bells at a time for an even louder warning if your senior has hearing issues. 

For more tips, reach out to elderly home care services.