Fall Prevention at Home: Easy Safety Tips for Families & Seniors

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, especially among older adults. Fortunately, most falls can be prevented by taking a few proactive steps to make your home a safer place. Here are some essential tips to help every family reduce the risk of falls at home.

Clear Pathways and Remove Clutter

One of the simplest ways to prevent falls is by keeping pathways clear of obstacles. Here’s how you can ensure your spaces are safe:

• Declutter regularly – Remove any unnecessary items, such as shoes, toys, or books, from floors and walkways.
• Secure cords – Tuck away electrical cords and cables that can become trip hazards.
• Rearrange furniture – Make sure your furniture doesn’t obstruct natural walking paths.

Keeping pathways clutter-free ensures your senior loved one can move around without worrying about unexpected obstacles.

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the many ways you can reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. InCasa Home Care Services is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. 

Improve Lighting throughout Your Home

Poor lighting is a significant contributor to falls, especially at night. Enhancing your home’s lighting can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

• Install nightlights – Place nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and staircases to make it easier to see in the dark.
• Upgrade to brighter bulbs – Use energy-efficient LED bulbs for brighter and longer-lasting illumination.
• Consider motion-sensor lights – These are particularly helpful for outdoor areas and entryways.

Proper lighting promotes visibility, ensuring you can spot potential hazards before they cause harm.

Secure Rugs and Flooring

Loose rugs and slippery floors are major fall risks that can easily be addressed with a bit of preparation.

• Use nonslip pads – Place nonslip rug pads under area rugs to prevent them from sliding out of place.
• Repair uneven flooring – Fix any loose tiles, warped wood, or uneven surfaces that can cause trips.
• Keep floors dry – Wipe up spills immediately, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

By securing your flooring, you create a safer and more stable home environment for your loved one.

Install Handrails and Grab Bars

Handrails and grab bars provide much-needed stability and support for family members who are at higher risk for falling, such as older adults or individuals with limited mobility.

• Add handrails to staircases – Ensure handrails are installed on both sides of stairs and that they’re sturdy.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms – Focus on areas like showers, bathtubs, and near the toilet.
• Use adhesive strips for added safety – Place anti-slip strips on steps and in the bathtub for extra traction.

These small additions can significantly reduce the risk of falls in tricky areas around the home.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of injuries from falls is to have a caregiver close by. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Edmonton families trust InCasa Home Care Services to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Choose Proper Footwear for Home

The type of footwear worn inside the house can often be overlooked, but it plays a critical role in fall prevention.

• Avoid slippery soles or loose-fitting shoes – These can increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Wear nonslip socks or slippers – If your loved one prefers going without shoes inside, opt for socks or slippers with nonslip soles.
• Encourage barefoot walking in certain areas – On dry, safe surfaces, walking barefoot can sometimes provide better grip than socks alone.

Ensuring proper footwear is worn at all times can be an effective way to keep your loved one safe.

An increased risk of falls is one of the many challenges seniors may have to face. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Edmonton families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. InCasa Home Care Services will work with you to tailor a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.