Accidents are a normal part of the holidays. With all the things happening around the house this season, it’s easy to forget about the simplest things that can lead to a potential dangerous situation for your elderly loved one. It is reported that falls are the most frequent cause of serious injury with seniors according to the CDC. That is why Quality Family Care has come up with some tips to help safeguard your home during the holiday (and everyday life) so that you can enjoy more quality time with the ones you love.
Its All About Slow Movement
- Move mindfully. Many people fall at home just by moving too quickly. Going from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa is one example. It’s simple, just TAKE YOUR TIME. Slow motions and thinking about what you’re doing before you do it, is the first step towards avoiding accidents.
- Remove tripping hazards. Home fixtures like chords, rugs and surge-protectors are just a few examples of the things that can contribute to falls around the home, leading to back pain or other problematic injuries. Check every room and hallway, slippery throw rugs, look for items such as loose carpet or wood floorboards that are exposed. Quickly repair, remove, and replace any items found to create an effective fall prevention atmosphere.
- Grab bars and handrails. Safety devices such as grab bars and handrails are crucial for getting on and off the toilet, going up and down stairs, stepping in and out of the bathtub without injury, or picking up something from the ground. Try to instal grab bars by toilets and bathtubs and handrails in stairways and hallways throughout the house. Call a handyman or family member help you with anything that may be out of your safety or comfort zone.
- Clean up clutter. Staying clean is the first and easiest way to avoid hazardous accidents in the home. Search for, and clear out any and all clutter, including stacks of old newspapers, mail, and magazines. Focus specifically on hallways and staircases. They tend to be the highest point of injury when it comes to senior accidents.
- Don’t wearing loose or baggy clothing.Feeling comfortable at home is important. Loose or baggy clothing will sometimes make you more likely to trip and have an accident. Purchase better-fitting and properly built clothing that doesn’t drag across the ground or bunch up.
- Proper lighting. Room illumination is another problematic accident factor. Install brighter light bulbs anywhere you think it is required. Focus on stairways and narrow hallways. Night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms are a perfect idea for night time movement around the house.
- No-slip surfaces. Showers and bathtubs, floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and porches, are extremely dangerous when wet or sometimes even freshly cleaned or waxed. Prevent falls on slick surfaces by installing rubber non-slip mats, or adhere grip tape when helpful.
- Avoid second level homes. Even if you have things installed like grip bars, or hand rails, stairs are a significant falling hazard for the elderly. Be extra careful with second level homes when dealing with a senior. If impossible to live on one level, try to limit the the amount of times a day they have to move from down to up or vise-verse.
- Wear shoes. Socks c=can be great during colder months, but they are a serious slipping hazard on smooth surfaces. Wear shoes at home to prevent falls. Non-slip socks that have grips on the soles of the feet are easily available in stores or online.
After a Fall When In-Home Care is Needed.
If you or a loved one needs in-home assistance, contact our family here at Quality Family Care. Our care-giving specialists are standing by with tip and advise to help you take the next step. It’s not easy asking for help, but you deserve the peace of mind that our team can provide. Also check out our blog section at www.QualityFamilyCare.com with all the information you need to help keep your family safe and secure during this transition. Call us toll-free at 877-513-7156 to speak with a specialist. You are not alone.
