Blog
Make Your Home Fall Proof
Tips to fall-proof your home
One might not think that a simple trip over a cord or a tumble over the rug is that big a deal, but it is. Fall-related injury is a leading reason people end up in the Emergency Room every year. Falls are highly associated with fractures—particularly of the hips, lower extremities, and arms—as well as head injury.
Falling is especially dangerous for the elderly. This is because older people tend to have decreased muscle strength and well as sensory cues that don’t perform as well as they used to. The information transmitted from a person’s brain from their inner ears, feet, and ankles isn’t as reliable as it would have been in the person’s youth.
Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce your and your loved ones’ fall risks. Check out these tips and make these changes in your home today:
- Install grab bars around toilets and showers
- Put railings on both sides of stairs
- Make sure carpet is tight and doesn’t bunch
- Remove rugs
- Make sure your home is well lit
- Get rid of clutter on the floor or steps
- Ensure electrical cords run along the wall, not out in the open
If you’re concerned about falls in your home, be sure to speak with a primary care provider as well. He or she can evaluate your prescriptions to make sure they do not cause dizziness and recommend any eye tests that might be necessary.
