Often when we think of fall prevention, we think of things like trip hazards or adding grab bars or handrails in the bathroom. But did you know that your risk of falling in your home more than doubles if you have reduced vision?
So how can you offset your risk of falling with decreasing vision? Good lighting. According to homeadvisor.com, seniors need 2 or 3 times more lighting than younger people.
Here are some lighting tips to help keep you safe in your home.
Have a lamp within reach of your bed.
Turn it on if you have to get up during the night. If arthritis or another disability makes turning lamp knobs difficult, look for a lamp that turns on and off using touch sensitivity.
Make sure you have night lights.
Put them in your bedroom, hallways, and bathrooms. Many nightlights plug into a 110v outlet and come on automatically when it gets dark. The key is to always be able to see the floor you’re walking on. (As a side note, make sure your pathway between your bed and your bathroom is clear of obstacles.)
Make sure stairways and entryways are well lit.
Use the highest wattage bulb your light socket is rated to handle. If overhead lighting isn’t available in these areas consider installing canned lighting. Modern canned lights use energy efficient LED bulbs and they are so thin, they can be installed virtually anywhere.
Reconsider your light switch covers.
Trade out standard light switch covers for glow-in-the-dark covers to ensure you can always see the switch.
Install motion-sensing lighting.
This will ensure your room or hall is automatically well-lit when you enter.
Keep a flashlight in every room.
Make sure they are easily accessible in case of a power outage.
Can too much lighting be a bad thing?
YES! Glare from sunny windows can make seeing difficult and increase your fall risk. Make sure you have blinds or curtains to reduce the glare – especially for windows that face east and west if they catch the early morning and late afternoon sun.
