As an aging senior, your home is one of the most hazardous places that you can walk around in. There are a number of different items that you can trip over, slip on, or fall because of. If you are looking to fall-proof your home, you will have a bit of work to do first. One of the best ways to start making your home safer is to identify all of the hazards that may be present in your path. Below, you will learn more about the most common items that pose a risk for you inside your own home.
Carpets, Rugs, and Runners
When you purchased that beautiful, floral runner you probably never thought that it would become a hazard in your home. Rugs, carpets, and runners that remain loose on the floor can bunch up and can slip out from underneath you leading to a fall. To prevent this from happening, choose carpets with slip-resistant rubber on them or you can place self-adhesive mats on the bottom of the carpets.
Loose Cords and Wires
The plug to your television or the Ethernet cable to your laptop can pose a fall risk in your home. If the cable is lying on the floor and goes unseen, you may catch your foot underneath the cord and as the cord stretches, you are met with resistance which can cause you to trip and fall down.
Bath Tubs and Tile Flooring
Bath tubs are probably one of the most dangerous places for seniors in their home. As you take a bath or when you shower, you run the risk of slipping and falling down due to a soapy tub or a loss of balance. Water is slick and the bathroom is confined which can lead to numerous injuries.
You can protect yourself in the bathroom by using a seat in the shower and attaching grab bars on the sides of the shower walls. A slip-resistant bath mat should always be at the bottom of your tub as well.
Heavy Objects Stored Up High
If you have a habit of placing heavy objects up in the tip top of your cabinet, don’t. If you are unable to grab the object or you are straining to do so, you may fall and the object could land on you. Worse, the entire shelving system could collapse. You can avoid this situation by placing heavier objects in lower cabinets and on the counters.
Dark Rooms
While you may enjoy the darkness in your room at night, it can lead to a dangerous slip and fall situation. You should keep lamps next to your bed on both sides and when you get up in the middle of the night or in the morning, turn them on. You will be able to see much better and maneuver yourself around different hazards.
Your home is full of things you can trip on from the corners of coffee tables to a decorative plant sitting in the corner. Take your time and remove all potential hazards from your home. You can also ask one of your family members to come in and look around too and see if they notice anything that may be a hazard.
A Pioneer medical alert is an inexpensive way to stay independent in your own home. Aging in place is possible, with the right tools and little planning.