Every year we hear stories of seniors falling, ending up in hospitals and never fully recovering. Unfortunately, these falls often result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for seniors age 65 and older. Every year, approximately 35% to 40% of seniors over 65 years of age fall at least one time. The following are five ways to help reduce the risk of you or a loved one from falling:

1. Keep Indoor Pathways Safe- Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to prevent rugs from becoming loose. Keep telephone and electrical cords out of walkways as well as items such as shoes, blankets and books. Move furniture out of walkways to ensure the path is clear. Always keep stairways free from clutter.

2. Review Medications- Visit with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you or a loved one is taking. Some prescriptions and over the counter drugs can cause one to become drowsy, dizzy or unsteady. In addition, make sure to get your vision checked once a year to reduce the risk of falling due to poor vision.

3. Exercise Regularly- It is important to improve your muscle flexibility and strength to reduce the risk of falling. Balance and coordination are also important to help prevent falling, and these can be accomplished through regular exercise.

4. Add Safety Features to Bathroom and Bedroom- Install mats or suction cups in the bathtub. Place grab bars near the toilet, shower, and tub area, as well as bench or a stool in the shower. Consider using an elevated toilet seat to help reduce the risk of falling. In the bedroom, keep a lamp or light switch that can be easily reached without getting out of bed. Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

5. Improve Outdoor Walkways- Paint the edges of outdoor steps, especially steps that are narrow or are higher or lower than other steps. Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to help with traction. Keep walkways well lit and clear from debris, snow and ice.

In addition to keeping the home safe from hazards, always try to maintain good health and exercise habits. It is important to wear rubber soled shoes that fully support your feet. Furthermore, limit the consumption of alcohol, and use walking devices such as a cane or a walker if extra support is needed. By reducing the risk of falling, one is increasing the chances of living a happy and safe life.

Home Safety is crucial if you are caring for your loved one in your home. It is especially important if your loved one is left alone for any amount of time. This article will be focusing on some things you can do to make your home safe. In addtion to my tips, I have included several links to various sites that have more ideas on how you can safety proof your home.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

1. Oven and Stove
The oven and stove are a major cause of accidental fires, especially if you are not there. If you cannot unhook it, please remove the dials. By removing the dials, you are making it more difficult for your loved one to turn the the oven and stove on. If your loved one prepares their own meals, you can have them use the microwave and preset the dial for them.

2. Fire Alarms
Are your fire alarms working? I suggest checking them at least once a month to make sure they are working. Fire alarms are very helpful especially if you are in the house with your loved one. Depending on the fire alarm, it may be able to detect burnt toast.

3. Locks on the Doors
Locks on front and back doors will be very helpful if your loved one wanders throughout the night. Wandering is common in persons with dementia. If you are in a house, you may want to consider putting in extra locks that you need a key to open. Place these locks at the top of the door- out of reach for your loved one. If you are in an apartment, please speak to your landlord before adding additional locks. Most buildings will allow you to add extra safety precautions.

4. Balconies and Sliding Doors
If you live in am apartment/condo or if you live in a more than one story house, this is extremely important. There are safety devices that you can attach to your sliding doors. You want to eliminate the possible cause of an accident in the middle of the night if your loved one wanders.

5. Stairs
If you have stairs in your home, are there railings? Railings are necessary, so that your loved one can have something to hold on to. Also, if you have winding stairs, you may want to consider moving your loved one’s room downstairs if your loved one is having problems with the stairs. In the evening, place a night light at the foot of the stairs, so that your loved one can where to take the first step.