One of the biggest problems that a senior faces at home, and outside, is the risk of falls. As you age, bones get weaker and more brittle and even simple falls can pose a risk to mobility. Broken bones do not heal easily for the elderly and are more prone to breaking again.
As you grow older, your posture, gait and balance aren’t as good as they used to be. Sensory perception is reduced as is muscle strength. Other factors like disease or medication may also play a part in the risk of falls.
Taking a few simple measures inside the house can help reduce the risk of falls.
De-clutter and make space
Make sure that the interior of the house that a senior lives in is not cluttered with furniture. The more spacious it is, the less, the chance of tripping over an odd piece of furniture and falling.
A place for everything and everything in its place
Don’t move furniture around the senior’s space and if for any reason you have to make a change, make sure that the senior gets used to the new layout. Sudden changes in layout can disorient the elderly.
Adequate lighting
Make sure that your interiors are well lit up, morning and night, so that your elderly can find their way around easily. Ensure that there is enough lighting at night and that the electric switches are within hands’ reach for your elderly relative.
Avoid steps
If possible, ensure that the senior is in a space where there are no levels. If there are steps to maneuver through, you should consider installing a ramp over the steps to facilitate movement.
Avoid carpets and rugs
They can slip over the floor or the edges could get curled up, posing a hazard for your elder.
Install rails
Make it easy for your senior to move around the house by installing rails where needed, especially if there are steps or levels.
Elder proof the bathroom
The bathroom is the most fall prone environment for the elderly. It has to be refitted to accommodate the elder. Anti slip mats, a seating arrangement for bathing, handrails to hold onto are all aids that will make the bathroom a safer space.
A fall is not only painful and dangerous for the elderly; it can be a traumatic and trying time for the caretaker too. Making these small changes can make life easier for all concerned.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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