Keep the Elderly Safe from Falls

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury. The risk for injuries resulting from falls increase as we age. The reason for this is that our bones and muscles do not retain the strength they once did. In this article we will discuss ways to prevent falls and unwanted injury resulting from falls.

Fall prevention results from proper knowledge of home safety. Wearing the proper footwear is a key to preventing falls. Dress shoes often do not have the traction of standard walking shoes. This is especially important during the winter months. Ice is one of the biggest factors in falling. Walkways should always remain treated when snow or ice is expected. If you have no method of doing this it is best not to shovel your walkway. A small surface of snow can often prevent slipping.

Another reason elderly people may fall is rugs. We don't often think of the fact that rugs are the second most likely place to trip inside of the home. They tend to bunch and are often hard to see without proper lighting. Remove all unnecessary rugs from your home.

Cords and clutter are another big factor in falling. If you have an elderly family member it is best to check up on them to make sure their homes remain in good condition. They are not always able to bend and manage their homes on their own. Reach out and help. This clutter can lead to broken bones and more serious injury.

If an individual has trouble walking on their own or dizzy spells you may want to have rails installed in the home. Rails will help prevent injury by taking the impact away from a sudden fall. Advise your loved one to use them when walking through the home. Even a small wood border at the length of their reach can be helpful. Borders are available in many sizes and may be cheaper then installing walking rails. The key is to buy them as thick as possible.

The last and biggest reason for accidental injury is falls in the bathroom. These can be very easily prevented if the right steps are taken. An elderly person with problems with standing or dizziness should never take a standing shower. There are chairs commercially available to sit in the bathtub. While these may prevent falls during bathing they are not enough. You can also install a shower bar for safety stepping out of the tub. They will support the person's weight. It is also important for them to keep their towel readily available and be completely dry before exiting the tub. Bathroom floors can be dangerous surfaces when paired with wet feet.

The last and biggest reason for accidental injury is falls in the bathroom. These can be very easily prevented if the right steps are taken. An elderly person with problems with standing or dizziness should never take a standing shower. There are chairs commercially available to sit in the bathtub. While these may prevent falls during bathing they are not enough. You can also install a shower bar for safety stepping out of the tub. They will support the person's weight. It is also important for them to keep their towel readily available and be completely dry before exiting the tub. Bathroom floors can be dangerous surfaces when paired with wet feet.

These tips are designed to help prevent falls for the elderly. These are not the only safety issues that need to be addressed in the homes of your loved ones. However, with this knowledge you can further assure their safety and welfare. These tips can also be applied to the disabled and those recovering from injury.