Prevent Falls Among Seniors

About half of all falls occur at home, but they’re not just the result of getting older, and many can be prevented by making a few minor modifications around your home.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends these commonsense tips for creating a safer environment for senior citizens:

• Keep walkways and stairs clear of items that easily can be tripped over, such as clothes, shoes, papers, and books.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Replace broken floorboards, torn linoleum, and high thresholds that can cause stumbling.
• Keep often-used items in cabinets that easily can be reached without using a step stool.
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve lighting inside the home, especially near stairs, hallways, and the front door and make sure the light switches are easy to turn on and off. Seniors require brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
• Install handrails on staircases.

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