Did you know that every second worldwide a person aged 65 or older falls? Falls can have a variety of consequences, both physical and psychological. After a fall, many people develop a fear of falling again, which can lead to avoidance of certain activities, reduced social interactions and a decrease in quality of life. Therefore, it is very important to prevent falls in several ways.
Fall prevention often requires a multidisciplinary approach. This may include starting an exercise program with a physical therapist to improve mobility and balance, reviewing medications, or consulting an ophthalmologist for customized solutions for reduced vision or eye problems.
At the same time, making your home safe and adaptable is essential and can make a world of difference. With a few simple modifications and solutions, you can make your living environment "fall proof.
Living safely in your own home
To avoid falls as much as possible, keep the following things in mind:
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Appropriate footwear: Always wear properly fitting footwear, both indoors and outdoors. Improperly fitting shoes or shoes with slippery soles reduce your balance and increase the risk of slipping and falling. Choose shoes, slippers and sandals with non-slip soles.
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Safety in the bathroom and by the toilet: Bathrooms and toilets are additional risk areas if your mobility is limited. Most falls happen in the bathroom because of wet and slippery floors. You can reduce this by wearing shoes or slippers with non-slip soles and using non-slip mats. In addition, handles and wall brackets can provide additional stability and reduce the risk of falls, especially during toilet visits, showering or bathing.
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Anti-slip mats: Always install non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub, as well as for the sink and toilet. Make sure these mats are specially designed for this purpose and are of good quality to avoid potential hazards.
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Toilet risers: For people who have difficulty sitting down or standing up again, toilet risers can be a convenient solution. There are different types of toilet risers available to meet different needs.
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Shower seats: A shower seat is easy to install and provides considerable assistance. Several options are available, including seats that can be placed on both flat and curved surfaces and seats with a padded backrest for added comfort.
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Handles and wall brackets: Install grab bars in and around the tub or shower, as well as on both sides of the toilet. Do not use towel bars as a substitute for sturdy grab bars because they are not designed to support weight. Choose stainless steel handles with a protective coating that resists rust and bacterial growth in damp areas.
These are some important steps to make your home safer and prevent falls, especially as you age and your mobility decreases. It is important to seriously consider these modifications to protect yourself or your loved ones from the risks of falls.
