Even though the house is generally considered the safest place to be in, this might not be the case for your aging parents. In fact, when it comes to older adults, the number one place where falls and fall-related injuries take place is at their homes. There’s no need for saying that falls can pose detrimental risks for older adults, as they can suffer from minor injuries like cuts and bruises to more severe ones like fractures and even fatal head injury. As such, we understand you might be concerned for your elderly parents, especially if they’re home alone for most of the day. In order to ensure that your loved ones reside in a safe and secure environment, here are some ways to fall-proofing your aging parent’s home.
Install an Emergency Alert System
An emergency alert system allows your aging parents to contact for medical help whenever and wherever necessary, considering that they might not have a caregiver or family member around them. How this is achieved is by a bracelet or necklace that has to be worn at all times by your loved ones. Let’s say if they have encountered a fall or any other injuries, they can simply push the button on the accessory to alert 911, who in turn would bring along medical professionals for assistance. However, do note that emergency alert systems do have to be purchased and may not be covered by insurance.
Fall-Proofing the Bathroom
When it comes to the most dangerous areas in the house, that would be the bathroom and kitchen. In terms of the bathroom, this is where the floors can get wet after a showering or bathing session, potentially resulting in your aging parents falling and slipping if they’re not careful. What’s more, the bathroom countertops may feature sharp edges, which no doubt are an added risk. Therefore, to provide a safer and less hazardous bathroom environment, you can start out by installing grab bars in specific areas of the bathroom, such as around the bathtub, in the shower, and near the toilet. These grab bars can also provide additional support for your elderly parents, especially if they have a hard time standing up and sitting down. Other ways to fall-proof the bathroom include placing non-slip mats both inside and outside the bathroom, installing waterproof tiles, and installing night lights around the bathroom.
Fall-Proofing the Stairs and Hallways
The biggest hazard in the home is when the floor is full of clutter. This is why it’s important to make sure that your aging parent’s home are constantly kept clean and organized in order to provide ample walking space for them to move around freely and safely. Most of the time, people tend to have the wires exposed on the floors, so it’s good to keep those away at all times, alongside other objects like shoes. Just like the bathroom, you can also consider installing grab bars or handrails along the stairways for additional support and bright lighting around the hallways. This is particularly crucial if your loved ones have poor vision and are unable to see things clearly. In addition, instead of placing throw rugs that can be slippery, opt for non-slip mats that offer a better grip.
