Did you know that one in three adults over the age of 65 fall each year? According to the Palliative Care Guide, by Angela Morrow, RN, 20% to 30% of those adults over 65, sustain moderate to severe injury threatening their health and independence.
The following fall prevention tips will help ensure safety and keep you or your loved one out of the hospital for fall-related events:
1. Remove throw rugs
Throw rugs are just waiting to be slipped upon, and are one of the most common causes of preventable falls. Be sure to go through the home and remove each and every one from every room in the house.
2. Install safety bars
Where do the elderly always seem to fall? Inside bathrooms, bathtubs, showers, hallways and along walkways. Installing safety bars in high-risk areas, both inside and outside the home, is a must for all homes housing elderly patients.
3. Use raised toilet seats
Raised toilet seats make it easier for your patient to use the restroom and reduce the risk of accidents. A raised toilet seat is easily affordable, and in some instances, covered by insurance.
4. Clear pathways
Yet another culprit placing patients at high-risk for falls, are cords and other debris cluttering up pathways. They must be removed, both inside and out.
5. Ensure adequate lighting
All parts of the home, especially high risk areas like the bathroom and hallways, need to have adequate lighting to reduce the risk of falls. This includes outdoors lighting as well.
6. Use non-slip shoes or slippers
Never let your patient walk around barefoot or in slippery-soled shoes. Use non-slip shoes or slippers at all times, especially on linoleum floors and other slippery surfaces.
Taking precautions may initially be a time-consuming project, but one that will protect your loved one from injury and possible death. Looking at it from this perspective, you will find it is well worth the effort.
Tags: assisted living, caregiving, Healthcare, seniors
