Preventing Falls in the Home

Most falls at home tend to happen in the bedroom, bathroom and on the stairs. It’s often due to things like poor lighting, slippery or wet floors, and loose rugs.

Falls can happen to anyone but as we age, our risk of falling increases due to a variety of contributing factors. These may include prescribed medications, changes in psychological and cognitive health, vision impairments, nutritional deficiencies, continence issues, postural hypotension (low blood pressure), and the presence of multiple medical conditions (comorbidities).

Make Your Surroundings Safer:
Many falls can be prevented, and the injury from falls can be minimised. Our aim is to make your home and its surroundings as safe as possible so you can stay independent in your own home for as long as possible.
Listed below are some recommendations to prevent falls from happening in your home:

Remove general hazards: 

• Keep electrical cords hidden
• Keep walkways clear
• Keep your home well maintained
• Keep items in easy to reach areas
• Remove clutter

Improve Lighting:

• Leave lights on in the passage ways where you may walk
• Ensure light switches are easy to reach
• Consider a night light

Portable Sensor Light
Sensor Strip Light
Sensor Toilet Night Light

Install grab rails in areas of your home where extra support may be needed, especially in bathrooms where slips are more likely.

Stainless Steel Grab Rail
Stainless Steel Curved Grab Rail
Solo Easigrip Grab Rail
President Grab Rail

Preventing Slips and Trips:

• Keep walkways clear
• Wear safe shoes
• Use non-slip mats in wet areas such as the bathroom and shower
• Use a hand rail or a seat in the shower
• Apply non-slip strips to floors
  
• Ensure mat corners are tapped down and not lifting

Non-Slip Indoor Mats
Conni Non-Slip Indoor Mats
Shower Mats
Shower Chairs
Non-Slip Flooring Strips
Rug Stops

Here are some additional tips you may wish to consider:

• Have regular check ups with your doctor to ensure your medical conditions and medications are well managed.
• Keep as active as possible and join in on activities that make you both stronger and improve your balance.
  
• Make a plan of what to do in the event of a fall or emergency. 
  
• Emergency pendants are a great idea for those who are often on their own. 
• If a mobility aid is used, ensure it is serviced often, set up correctly and working well.