7 Ways to Prevent Falls
As we get older, the chances of falling and hurting ourselves in the home become more likely. Weakened leg muscles, limited dexterity, and impaired vision are just a few factors that can contribute to a fall resulting in injury or worse.
To insure safety in the home, proper fall prevention precautions should be taken. The following fall prevention guidelines offer seven easy ways to avoid falls in the home.
- Stairways should have handles on both sides: It is best to have handrails professionally installed so they are firmly attached to the wall. In addition to handrails, insuring that your stairways are well-lit is also a key part of fall prevention. Using the Pathlighter Lighted Safety Cane or Bright Feet Lighted Slippers will help you see much better in the dark and help prevent falls.
- Remove tripping hazards from walkways: tripping hazards could include throw rugs, furniture, and clutter such as children's toys and shoes. If you step on something in a walkway that you do not see, it is very easy to sprain or even break an ankle.
- Use non-skid rugs on bathroom floors: The bathroom is probably the most dangerous room in the house to fall in. Bathrooms typically have a lot of sharp corners and hard surfaces, so a fall in that room can result in serious or even life-threatening injuries.
- Use a shower chair or transfer bench when getting in and out of the tub: Transfer benches and shower chairs are available in a variety of styles with multiple features so they can fit your individual needs. The Eagle Snap-n-Save Shower Chair is an affordable and sturdy bath seat that is available with or without arms and a back rest, while the Carex Universal Transfer Benchoffers a comfortable and fully reversable means to transfer in and out of the tub.
- Use a toilet safety frame, commode, or raised toilet seat: All 3 of these products serve the same purpose - to give you something secure to hold on to when getting on or off the toilet seat. The Removable-Arm Raised Toilet Seat with Arms offers users a comfortable seat with ergonomically designed, removable armrests. This elevated toilet seat is extremely sturdy and requires virtually no installation.
- Install grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower: Moen SecureMount Grab Bars make an attractive addition to virtually any bathroom and, using the SecureMount Anchors, can be installed at virtually any angle. For those who do not wish to do a permanent installation, Portable Suction Grab Bars can be used on completely smooth surfaces as a means of balance when getting in and out of the tub or shower. The Ergonomic Bath Tub Grab Bar with Armrest can also be used on the side of virtually any bathtub for added safety. Be sure to test the strength of all installed grab bars before allowing them to be used.
- Use a bed rail for getting in and out of bed: Often people are opposed to the idea of bed rails because they have a tendency to look too clinical. However, devices such as the BedCane Bed Rail and Smart Rail System Bed Rail offer both style and functionality while aiding in safety. Both are ideal for anyone who has had a stroke or hip replacement surgery.
Home safety and fall prevention is extremely important for seniors and the elderly. By taking the necessary precautions and making the appropriate purchases for your home, you can help prevent falls and protect the ones you love from injury.
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