Falls: Falls are one of the most causes of injuries that happen to seniors. An occasional fall may seem normal with age, but many people don’t realize how serious the consequences can be. About one in four seniors who fracture a hip from a fall will die within six months of their injury. How to fix it: Remove any loose rugs or only use rugs with non-slip backing, make sure that walkways are entirely clear of clutter, tape down loose cords, and make sure that thresholds are installed so there is a gradual incline in doorways.
Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting can make it difficult for seniors to see, especially at night. The darkness can cause disorientation and lead to tripping. How to fix it: Install brighter bulbs and add night lights throughout the home, with a focus on bathrooms and hallways.
Bathroom Hazards: Approximately 80% of all falls that occur in the home take place in the bathroom. With slippery surfaces, bathtubs that are difficult to get in and out of, and getting up and down from toilets, it is no surprise that so many falls happen here. How to fix it: Instead of using typical bath mats, try using a stone mat that dries instantly and is non-slip. To assist with transitioning, install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. Also, consider using a shower chair when bathing and add a handheld showerhead.
Stairs: Stairs can be hard to avoid in some homes and are even more difficult to navigate with age. How to fix it: Make sure that handrails are sturdy and properly installed. Non-slip treats should be added to the steps if they don’t have them already. If it becomes increasingly difficult or even impossible to use the stairs, consider either adding a stair lift or keep all living and sleeping space on the first floor.
Medication Errors: Issues with medication management is a common concern with the elderly. Some seniors take multiple medications, all with different days, times, and doses. This can cause confusion leading to missed doses or even double-dosing. How to fix it: Use a pill organizer to help manage medications. There are pill organizers that even have alarms to help remind seniors to take their medications. It is also helpful to have a family member or close friend assist in filling pill boxes to give less room for error.
Fire Hazards: Forgetting to turn off the stove or leaving cooking food unattended is one of the leading causes of fires in the elderly. Outside of the kitchen, forgotten candles near curtains or space heaters too close to furniture can also lead to fires. How to fix it: Automatic stove ‘shut off’ devices can be installed. If the concern persists, consider using only microwaves in the home. Flammable items should always be kept far away from open flames or space heaters. Smoke detectors should be installed within the home.
Clutter: Over the years, it makes sense that many seniors collect belongings that hold sentimental value. Despite these heirlooms, photos, and other keepsakes representing a long life of memories, they tend to take up a lot of space and can crowd walkways and become a tripping hazard. How to fix it: Cleaning up crowded spaces can be overwhelming and tedious. It is best to start small and tackle one area or room at a time. For items that are the most meaningful, place them in labeled storage bins that can be safely stored away. For other items, consider donating them.
Pets: Pets can bring seniors comfort and companionship and are family members. However, they can get under your feet and cause you to trip and fall. With pets also comes toys scattered around the home, food and water bowls, and beds that can get in the way of high traffic areas. How to fix it: Try using non-slip mats under food and water dishes to keep them in place and to keep spills centralized. If tripping over pets is a major issue in a specific area, like the kitchen, consider installing a gate that goes across the doorway but doesn’t have a lip to be stepped over. A bell on the collar of the pet could be helpful as well to know when they are nearby. Having a trainer come to teach the dog to stay out of certain areas would also be helpful.
Hard-To-Reach Items: As mobility and flexibility change with age, it may become difficult for seniors to reach items in high spaces. This could be an issue in the kitchen when reaching for the top of the spice rack or even trying to bring down Christmas decorations from a garage shelf. In order to reach the items, the senior may attempt to step on a ladder, chair, or stool which could pose a serious fall risk. How to fix it: Keep frequently used items within easy reach. Organization is key in this scenario! Make sure that all closets and shelves are organized in a way that allows for everyday items to be easily accessible. Install pull-down shelves in the garage to make it simple to grab bins. You could even try a “grabber” that extends and allows things to be easily grabbed whether they are high or low.
No Planning: While having a fall plan in place doesn’t reduce the risk of the fall, it does help to reduce the severity of possible complications due to one. Without a plan in place, they may not be able to get up or call for help which could lead to them being stuck on the floor for hours or even days. If a senior is left on the floor for extended periods of time, it could lead to dehydration or pressure sores that can lead to even further complications that may require a hospital visit. How to fix it: Luckily these days, there are several options for seniors in a situation like this. The main one that many resort to is a medical alert device that is worn around the neck and has a button to be pushed in case of an emergency. Apple watches can be very useful as well and can even detect a fall in real-time and immediately either call for 911 services or contact your emergency contact. Smart devices like ‘Alexa’ can be installed so a senior can call to them to reach out to someone that can help from wherever they fell. Seniors should be encouraged to always have their phone on them in case something happens. Consider setting up check-in times with family members throughout the day so that if there’s no response, someone will know that something could be wrong.
Creating a safe space for seniors doesn’t have to be super stressful! Just making small adjustments and being aware of the risks can make a huge difference. Studies show that older adults living at home by themselves face a higher risk of falling than those who have someone in the home with them and they are far more likely to go longer without receiving help. Having another person present to assist with activities of daily living can make a huge difference. At FirstLight Home Care, caregivers are not only trained to help reduce safety risks within the home, but also to be added support for seniors, giving them and their families peace of mind and helping their loved ones stay safe and independent at home.
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