After spending years working with seniors, I have seen firsthand how devastating a fall can be. For many of my clients it takes months of assistance, physical therapy, and even surgery to regain their mobility. So in the interest of blogging about important topics and frequently asked questions, I could not think of a better place to start than fall prevention.

So first I figured let’s start with some statistics. “How concerned should I be about my loved one falling?” Well, according to the Center for Disease Control 30% of people older than 65 and 50% of people older than 80 fall at least once a year.  5-10% of these falls result in fractures. But let me add in that people fall every day without serious injury. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk and even prevent their occurrence. The main point of emphasis I stress to clients is to go through the house and remove hazardous items. Below are some major things to look out for in different rooms of the house.

• Bedroom
  • Install night lights for a clear bathroom route.
  • Keep the floor clear of clutter.
  • Arrange furniture to allow for an unobstructed path.
  • Make sure bed is easy to get in and out of.
  • Install bedrails if there is a risk of falling out of bed at night.
  • Avoid storing items in high or low places hard to reach.
  • Keep non-slip slippers near the bed.
  • Keep lamp next to the bed
• Bathroom
  • Use non-slip rugs or mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor.
  • Grab bars in the shower and near the toilet can be helpful.
  • Install night lights.
  • Use a raised toilet seat if necessary.
  • Install a shower seat if necessary.
• Hallways/Stairs
  • Place handrails in hallways or entryways.
  • Carpeting is always preferable to tile.
  • Fix loose or uneven steps.
• Living Room
  • Move low rise furniture out of the way.
  • Coffee tables are always a concern.
  • Keep cords and electronics tucked away.
  • Make sure light switches are easily accessible.
  • Keep a phone near chair so there is no need to jump up to get the phone.

I also always give a few overall tips. For instance, avoid rugs; even area rugs that seem harmless can potentially fold over and be treacherous. It is a good idea to use non-slip materials in the bathroom if it gets slick but stray away from them in other spaces. Also using double sided tape on what rugs you do have to prevent them from curling over can make a big difference. Lastly, having a phone handy is always a good idea.

Ensuring that the house is a safe place is the number one way to prevent falls. For someone that is unsteady on their feet, a medical alert necklace can be real peace of mind. These easy steps truly make a dramatic difference. For more helpful tips on prepping the house and much more, check back in next week.