Every 11 Seconds, an Older Adult is Treated in the ER for a Fall
Home modifications and fall prevention products like ramps, stairlifts, walk-in showers, and grab bars are essential for keeping seniors safe in their own homes. But they’re only part of the equation. There are fall risks in most homes these products won’t solve.
So, let’s talk about the rest of the equation to help keep your loved one safe at home.
Reduce Clutter
Many falls happen because of trips. For many seniors, clutter naturally accumulates after years of living in the same home. When you make a conscious effort to reduce clutter, you reduce fall risk by default—because you’re removing objects that could become trip hazards. This is especially important in commonly used routes around the house.
Replace Throw Rugs with Safer Options
Throw rugs are the cause of many elderly falls each year because they tend to bunch or fold. Most of us can probably recall a time when we’ve caught a foot on one. As we age, our balance diminishes—and so does our ability to recover from a stumble. If your loved one needs something on their floor, suggest non-slip mats instead.
Light the Way
Lighting plays a huge role in fall prevention. It’s common for aging parents to have reduced balance, and vision issues often play a part in that.
If you want to ensure your parent has good lighting, start in these key areas:
- Make sure there is good lighting anywhere there are stairways or steps, including steps between living areas and other parts of the home like the kitchen.
- Add night lights or motion-detecting lights between their bed and the bathroom to make middle-of-the-night visits safer.
- Illuminate hallways and other commonly used routes.
- Consider installing motion-sensing light switches throughout the home to eliminate the need to fumble for a switch in the dark.
Reconsider Footwear
An often overlooked fall prevention tool is proper footwear. Shoes that contribute to falls include:
- Slippers, slides, and flip-flops
- Slip-on shoes
- Just socks—especially on hard floors
If you notice your loved one consistently wearing these types of shoes, suggest a safer alternative: a dedicated pair of shoes they wear around the house.
These shoes should:
- Have a non-slip or slip-resistant sole (usually noted on the box or sole by the manufacturer)
- Include a snug, supportive heel collar to keep feet from sliding inside the shoe
- Use closures like laces or adjustable Velcro straps to ensure a secure fit
Keep Frequently Used Items Within Easy Reach
Reaching up or bending over to grab common household items or shower supplies can be a fall risk. To minimize the danger, keep frequently used items at a level between the shoulders and the waist whenever possible.
To Sum It Up
Preventing falls for aging-in-place parents takes more than just ramps, stairlifts, walk-in showers, and grab bars. While those are a big part of the puzzle, a more holistic fall prevention approach also includes reducing clutter, improving lighting, ensuring proper footwear, and keeping everyday items within reach.
Need help evaluating your parent’s home for fall prevention? We can help. Our home accessibility team has almost any fall prevention tool you can think of at their disposal. Not only that, but we can partner with your occupational therapist or other professionals to find the safest and most appropriate solution for your loved one.
Give us a call at 810-213-6377 today or complete the form below today to schedule a free home evaluation.