According to the CDC, falls cause about 4.5 million emergency room visits each year. That\u2019s more than eight ER visit-causing falls per minute. Nearly one third of those who go to the ER due to a fall are subsequently admitted to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many parts of the aging process can increase fall risk, falling isn\u2019t a normal part of aging. It\u2019s preventable, and addressing fall risks in the home is a great place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home fall-proofing for seniors just takes the right knowledge and assistance\u2014and there\u2019s plenty of both in Grand Junction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many falls are caused by a home that simply isn\u2019t set up for older adults\u2019 mobility needs. By eliminating tripping hazards indoors and out, as well as adding accessibility features, you can help your loved one move more confidently around their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the most common causes for falls come from simple home repairs. Damaged flooring is a tripping hazard, as are many of the tools required for other maintenance tasks. In addition, hanging pictures, installing other home goods and repairing ceiling fixtures all require focusing on a task while balancing on a ladder that\u2019s always just<\/em> a few inches too short. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a good idea to ensure these tasks are handled before seniors try to take matters into their own hands. If you\u2019re local and handy, this can be a quick way to help prevent falls. If you\u2019re not, having a dependable handyman on call can make a world of difference. A Helping Hand Handyman<\/a> here in Grand Junction even offers a senior discount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to handling repairs that might tempt your loved one to overdo it, a skilled handyman can also help with accessibility upgrades. Grab bars and railings need to be in a useful location for older adults, but they also need to be attached securely enough to support quite a lot of weight. A handyman can help make sure they\u2019re installed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to uneven floors, one of the biggest causes of falls is low visibility, especially at night. You\u2019ve likely already bumped into a piece of furniture on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night; for older adults, those trips are usually both more frequent and harder to navigate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by ensuring all of their lighting fixtures are in good working order and don\u2019t need bulb replacements. Add night lights that are close to the ground in high-traffic areas, like between their bedroom and bathroom. Consider adding strip lighting around any tripping hazards that can\u2019t be removed, like stairs or ledges. Finally, ensure there\u2019s a light source in reach of their bed, like a bedside lamp or wall-mounted lighting with an easy-to-reach switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can likely handle a lot of this on your own with plug-in solutions, but older homes especially may not have enough outlets, and they may not be conveniently placed. A reliable local electrician<\/a> can help you add additional outlets and install new lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many falls that don\u2019t take place inside<\/em> the home happen right outside the front door. When shrubs and grass get overgrown, leaves pile up or snow and ice block walkways in the winter, it\u2019s easy to take a spill while just trying to get the mail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While spending time outdoors is good for physical and mental health, most yardwork in itself can cause a fall risk. Snow removal especially shouldn\u2019t be done by anyone with mobility or heart trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not able to handle it yourself, hiring a full-service lawn care provider is one of the best ways you can help to prevent falls. For seniors in Grand Junction, we really like Clipper Lawn Care<\/a> because of just how much they can handle. In addition to weekly mowing, they also offer seasonal yard cleanup, snow removal and even trash removal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the right knowledge and a little help, you can ensure your loved one can stay confident and fall-free in their home. For seniors with limited mobility or those who are at higher fall risk, more hands-on support can be a part of the solution for fall-proofing for seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBring Some Brightness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tame Outdoor Tripping Hazards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Home Care Helps with Fall-Proofing for Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n