Aging In Place

How to Prevent Falls at Home?

Diane Carbo

Sep 17, 2023 — 10 min read

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged over 65,

Falls are a serious problem that can have a drastic impact on a person's wellbeing. Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged over 65, and the risk of falls increases with age. As such, it is crucial for adults to take steps to prevent falls at home. This guide will outline the importance of preventing falls and provide strategies and tips to reduce the risk of falling at home.

By taking the necessary steps to avoid falls, adults can maintain their independence and remain safe in their homes. Through understanding potential hazards, knowing how balance and mobility can affect falls, making appropriate adjustments, and exercising regularly, it is possible to reduce the risk of falls and maintain a good quality of life.

Assess Your Home and Prioritize Hazards

Using your home should be a safe experience. One of the best ways to guarantee this is to identify any potential hazards and take steps to remove them. With the right assessment, you can make your home a safer place for everyone who enters it.

Some potential hazards are easier to see than others. You can start by looking for any areas with poor lighting. Replace any bulbs that have burned out, and consider investing in brighter bulbs and additional fixtures. Moving furniture can also help create more open space.

Other hazards are invisible. Be sure to inspect all electrical outlets, and look for any exposed cords or frayed wires that need to be replaced. Also, check around the house for any water damage.

You can also assess the environment for falls. Place non-skid mats or rugs where needed. Evaluate showers and tubs to ensure they have grab bars and/or non-slip surfaces. Check for areas with loose floorboards, rugs, and other items that can create hazardous tripping hazards.

If you’re not sure where to begin, make a list of all potential hazards you can think of. Then, prioritize them according to how much risk they pose. If you’d like, you can even assign a score from 1-10, giving a higher score to items with the highest risk.

Once you’ve identified and prioritized any potential hazards, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait until someone gets hurt. By taking proactive steps, you can keep everyone in your household safe.

Understanding Balance and Mobility

Falls at home are one of the leading causes of injury and death among the elderly. Loss of balance and mobility are major factors affecting falls and the risk of becoming seriously injured. To reduce the risk of falling, it is important to understand how balance and mobility can affect falls at home.

Balance is your ability to maintain an upright posture while standing, walking, or performing other physical activities. It requires good coordination and the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of your muscles and joints. Mobility is the ability to move freely and without difficulty or pain. Poor balance and mobility can impact your ability to move around safely and can increase the risk of a fall.

As you age, your balance and mobility may not be as good as when you were younger. Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can also reduce balance and mobility. Other factors such as vision loss, poor lighting, improper footwear, slippery surfaces, and uneven terrain can also contribute to an increased risk of falling.

Therefore, it is important to assess your balance and mobility regularly and take steps to improve them. Regular exercise and stretching can help to improve balance and mobility. Additionally, it is important to eliminate hazards that increase the risk of falling by installing safety rails and providing adequate lighting in all areas of the home.

Install Safety Rails and Other Safety Measures

Falls can happen anytime, anywhere and it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent them at home. One of the most effective ways to prevent falls at home is to install safety rails and other safety measures.

Safety rails provide additional support and balance when transitioning between sitting, standing, or walking. There are a variety of safety rails available, including grab bars, handrails, balance bars, and more. Grab bars are ideal for areas where you need to transition from one level to another, such as in the bathroom or near stairs. Handrails can be installed along staircases and hallways to help steady yourself when you’re walking. Additionally, balance bars are an excellent choice for use near low surfaces, such as the bed or sofa.

In addition to safety rails, gates can also be installed to restrict access to certain areas of the home, such as the staircase or bathroom. Some gates feature an auto-close system to ensure they are always closed. Furthermore, non-slip mats and adhesive strips can be used to make sure floors remain non-slippery and safe.

Finally, installing a reliable intercom system is a great way to ensure you are able to call for help if you do fall. Most systems are easy to set up and can be linked to a smartphone, making it easy to access.

By taking the time to assess your home and install safety rails and other safety measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling at home.

Examine Lighting and Floor Surfaces

Falls in the home are a serious risk for all, especially the elderly. This is why it is important to consider your lighting and floor surfaces in order to prevent these types of accidents. Adequate lighting is essential in any household - without it, navigating around the home is much more difficult.

As well as making sure you have plenty of light, you should also make sure that any light sources are bright enough. It is recommended to use higher wattage bulbs to ensure sufficient visibility throughout your home.

Floor surfaces can be a major hazard for those at risk of a fall. Slippery floors often lead to slips or trips, leading to a dangerous fall. To avoid this, opt for materials that are designed to provide traction. Non-slip backings, carpets, and rubber mats are all great options if you're looking to reduce the risk of slipping.

It is also important to keep your floor surfaces clean. Any dirt or debris can cause someone to lose their footing, so regular cleaning and maintenance is key. Train your family members to always tidy up after themselves, and encourage everyone to wear appropriate footwear indoors.

By ensuring that your home is properly lit and equipped with the right flooring, you can help reduce the risk of dangerous falls in the home.

Preparing for Unexpected Situations

Falls at home are most likely to occur in situations you don’t always expect. Power outages, slick surfaces, and other unexpected circumstances can all increase the chances of falling, so it’s important to prepare for these situations.

The first step is to assess your home when the power is still on. Look around and identify potential hazards that could pose a risk during a power outage. This is especially important if you are elderly or have limited mobility. Some common household hazards to look out for include slick surfaces, sharp objects, dark corners and stairs.

Once you have identified potential hazards, make steps to minimalize them. This can include putting down non-slip mats, adding extra lighting, removing any items on the floor and ensuring that your furniture is stable and secure. Make sure to check that walkways and areas with power cords are clear, as tripping over cords can also lead to falls.

It can also be helpful to practice various fall prevention techniques, such as transitioning slowly between sitting, standing, and walking. This will help ensure that you remain steady and balanced under even the most unexpected circumstances.

Falling is already a major risk for elderly people, but some medications taken by older adults can increase their chances of falling. It is important to understand how certain medications can lead to side effects which can affect balance and mobility.

Common medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or weakness include:

Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Tricyclic antidepressants, which are prescribed to treat depression.
Diuretics, which are used to get rid of excess water in the body.
High blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers.
Opioid painkillers, including morphine and codeine.

It is important to talk to your doctor about any medication you are taking to understand the potential side effects. Your doctor can advise on other treatments or medications that may be safer and less likely to cause falls.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is one of the most important aspects of fall prevention. Not only does it build strength and improve balance, but it also reduces the risk of falls and helps you to recover from a fall more quickly. Exercise can improve coordination, increase muscle strength, and help keep bones strong.

It’s recommended that you engage in physical activity at least two or three times each week for a minimum of 30 minutes. This can include low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and biking. Additionally, balance exercises and strength-training can be beneficial for those at risk of falling, as they focus on improving coordination.

When you're beginning an exercise program, it's important to consult a health care professional. They can provide advice on exercises that are best suited to your individual needs. It’s also a good idea to start with simpler exercises first before progressing to more challenging ones.

Below are some simple balance and strength exercises that can be done at home:

Standing on one foot
Lifting weights while sitting
Balance board exercises
Aerobic exercise such as walking or cycling
Yoga and stretching

These exercises can help you maintain your balance and mobility and stay safe from falls at home. If you have any questions about starting an at-home exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider.

Practice Fall Prevention Techniques

Falls at home are a common occurrence, especially among the elderly. Practicing fall prevention techniques can help reduce the risk of falling and the associated injuries. Below are some activities you can do to help strengthen your balance and awareness, as well as strategies for safely transitioning between sitting, standing, and walking.

Practicing Balance and Coordination

Performing balance exercises is essential in preventing falls. Standing on one foot or balancing on a wobble board will help you develop better balance and coordination. You can also try tai chi or yoga to improve your upright posture, focus, and joint mobility.

Chair Exercises

While sitting in a chair, practice putting weight on each foot alternately and lifting the other foot to increase coordination and balance. This activity should be done slowly and with caution. You can also practice stepping up and down from the chair while using your arms and legs for support.

Transitions and Walking

When transitioning from sitting to standing, it’s important to stand up slowly and use your arms for support. When walking, try to maintain an upright posture, and take short steps. Look ahead instead of down, and when turning, make sure to move the entire body instead of just the feet.

Safety Equipment

Another tool in fall prevention is the use of safety equipment. Walking sticks, canes, or a walker can help provide stability and balance when you need it. Safety rails and grip bars installed around the house can be useful often when transitioning between sitting and standing. Investing in comfortable shoes with proper arch support and non-slip soles will also help prevent falls.

Get Help from Professionals

Falling may seem like a minor problem and an unavoidable part of life, but it can have serious consequences. To ensure that falls do not lead to serious injury, it is important to get help from professionals. There are various services available that can help you develop and implement a comprehensive plan for fall prevention.

These services include home health care providers such as occupational therapists and physical therapists, who can assess your home environment and recommend specific safety measures. They can also provide exercises and techniques to help improve balance and strength. Home health care providers are typically covered by insurance and some Medicare plans, so be sure to check with your provider to see what is covered.

In addition, many local and state governments offer elderly assistance programs, which may provide services free or at a reduced rate. These services may include home safety assessment, help installing safety rails or other safety features, and tips for removing tripping hazards. Check with your state's government website or local Area Agency on Aging to find out what services are available in your area.

Finally, many hospitals and senior centers offer classes on fall prevention and safety. These classes can provide valuable information on how to stay safe at home, identify hazards, select appropriate safety measures, and practice fall prevention techniques.

By seeking help from professionals, you can be sure that your home is safe and free from potential hazards. This will help you reduce your risk of falling and enjoy a more comfortable and independent lifestyle.

Tips for Caregivers and Family Members

Falls in the elderly can often be prevented with support from family members and caregivers. It's important to remain aware of potential hazards and to assess the home for safety on a regular basis. Here are some tips for reducing the risk of falls in elderly family members or patients:

Assist with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and using the toilet.
Help develop a safe exercise program and provide encouragement to stay active.
Monitor medication taken to reduce the side effects associated with falls.
Encourage the use of assistive devices, such as walkers and canes, to help with balance.
Remind the elderly person to wear non-slip shoes both inside and outside of the house.
Make sure areas of the home are free from clutter, such as loose rugs and wires.
Provide companionship and support to help with any fear or anxiety related to falling.

Falls in the elderly can lead to more serious health issues and even death. Taking the time to assess the home environment and ensure the safety of elderly family members is essential for good health and wellbeing.

Falls at home can have a serious impact on our wellbeing, so it’s important to be aware of, and take steps to reduce, the risks associated with them. This guide has covered topics such as assessing your home for hazards, understanding balance and mobility, installing safety rails and other safety measures, examining lighting and floor surfaces, preparing for unexpected situations, preventing medication-related falls, exercising regularly, practicing fall prevention techniques, getting help from professionals, and tips for caregivers and family members.

By following the advice in this guide, you should be able to reduce the chances of falls occurring within your home and ensure your wellbeing is better protected. With that in mind, it is important to remember to assess home safety regularly and practice fall prevention techniques. By becoming familiar with these techniques, you can provide an extra layer of protection against falls at home and stay safe.