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The Importance Of Protecting Seniors From Falling

Welcome to Fall Prevention Month! It isn’t necessary for November to roll around in order for us to pay strict attention to preventing falls. However, this month serves as a good reminder for us to brush up on some much-needed safety protocol. As the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation informs us, “falls are a leading cause of serious injuries, and are arguably the most preventable especially in our own homes.”

Needless to say, it’s especially important for seniors to be protected from falling. So what steps should be taken to help them stay upright and avoid serious injuries?

Illuminate the front of your home.

How well-lit is your front entrance? If the bulb on your porch light has gone out, replace it immediately. Daylight Saving Time ends this coming weekend. That means it will get dark a lot earlier than usual. A dark front entrance means that ice, snow and any other tripping hazard will be much harder to see. Make sure the front entrance of your home is both free of tripping hazards and has plenty of light.

Lifeline.ca also recommends that you paint the edges of both your outdoor steps and any steps that are especially narrow or are higher or lower than the rest. You should also paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to create better traction.

Make sure the kitchen floors are clutter-free.

The kitchen can be a dangerous place. Hot stoves and slippery tile floors can easily cause injuries to someone who has mobility issues. Seniors are cautioned to be extra careful when in the kitchen. Homeowners living with older adults should ensure that nothing is left on the kitchen floor. Tripping hazards should be avoided at all costs.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation also recommends that all appliance and cupboard doors are kept closed. Often-used kitchen supplies should be stored in easy-to-reach locations. Heavier items should be stored in lower cupboards. It is also suggested that a step stool with non-skid feet and a safety rail be made available so members of the household can easily reach high places.

Keep a flashlight handy.

Does the older adult in your home have any vision impairments? For many seniors, eyesight is an issue. This is why proper lighting is such a key factor in fall prevention. Keeping a flashlight handy will ensure that your elderly loved one is always able to see what is in front of him/her. Avoiding a slip and fall can often be as easy as stepping over a toy on the floor instead of stepping on it.

According to Lifeline.ca, seniors should also have a lamp or light switch that can easily be reached without getting out of bed. As well, use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways. Have light switches at both ends of staircases and halls. Also, install handrails on both sides of the stairs. Finally, turn on the lights when you go into the house at night.

At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we’re committed to the health and safety of your elderly loved ones. If you have any questions about how our home health care products and mobility solutions can help to prevent falls in your home, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!

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