Falling is the biggest concern that most seniors and their families have about seniors living alone. Every year, millions of seniors end up in emergency rooms because they have fallen, and some of those falls can be extremely serious. If your senior parent has fallen in the past, they have a high risk of falling again. That doesn’t mean that your senior parent can’t live independently, but it does mean that you should take steps to make sure that your senior parent’s home is as safe as possible. A great way to help your senior parent avoid falls is to make sure they have elder care services.
If your senior parent has elder care, they will get regular visits from a care provider who can help them get around the house safely. Your senior parent will have a care provider they trust to lean on if they need help getting up and down the stairs, getting to the bathroom, or getting in and out of their favorite chair.
Elder care providers can also help your senior parent avoid falls at home by:
Keep the Floors Clean and Clear
Clutter on the floor can be dangerous. Things like shoes, bags, power cords, and even pet toys can easily cause someone to trip. An elder care provider can help by keeping walkways clean and clear.
Elder care providers can tidy up items, move furniture that’s in the way, and make sure there’s nothing on the floor that could cause a fall. Even small things like dropped tissues or magazines can be a problem if left lying around.
Wipe Up Spills Right Away
Slippery floors are a major cause of falls, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. A care provider can help by quickly cleaning up spills from water, food, or anything else that could make the floor slick.
Care providers can also place non-slip mats in areas where spills are more likely to happen, like by the sink or shower. Keeping the floors dry and safe is a simple step that makes a big difference.
Make Sure All Lights Are Working
Good lighting is very important for preventing falls. If your parent can’t see where they’re going, they’re more likely to trip or bump into something. An elder care provider can check that all light bulbs are working and replace them when needed.
They can also turn on lights in the evening, use nightlights in dark hallways, and open blinds during the day to let in natural light. Bright, clear lighting helps your parent see better and move more safely.
Keep Everyday Items Within Reach
Stretching or reaching for things can throw off balance and cause a fall. A care provider can make sure your parents’ most-used items—like dishes, towels, and clothing—are stored in easy-to-reach places. They’ll avoid putting items too high or too low, which means your parent won’t have to climb on chairs or bend down too far. Keeping things at waist or shoulder height is much safer.