How to Prevent Falls in the Home

One of the major concerns that we have as we get older and our muscles begin to deteriorate, our bones become more fragile, and our balance becomes more questionable, is the idea of falling and hurting ourselves. A fall can be a huge setback for an older person and can potentially cause serious injury.  Injuries caused by falls cost the NHS approximately over a billion pounds a year and account for taking up almost 4 million hospital beds.

Here are some tips to help older people keep safe on their feet, and stop people from falling:

Regular Activity

Regularly carrying out activities to improve strength and balance can help maintain or even improve your ability to do daily activities and reduce the chances of falling. Examples include yoga or tai chi, walks, stretching or strength exercises with weights or resistance bands.

Adapt your home

It’s easy to take a tumble in your home, tripping over a rug or something left on the floor is a common way to fall. Reduce your risk by keeping your home as clutter-free and well-lit as possible. Keep hallways and staircases empty and add handrails in places to help you pull yourself up such as staircases and bathrooms.

Keep in good health

Being in good health can reduce the risk of falling. You should keep up to date with medical appointments and check your medications as some can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may cause you to fall.

Healthy Eating

A healthy diet helps to maintain a healthy body and keep muscles strong.  Eating a balanced diet and keeping hydrated with lots of water can help reduce the risk of falling.

Talk to the experts

If you’re concerned about frailty or your mobility, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.  You can talk through your concerns and your GP can do a quick assessment regarding your overall health and wellbeing. They can advise on any ways to help including aids such as a stick or walker which may help with daily living activities.

Care Support

Having care support can help keep you safe in the home.  Care at home services can help you carry out household chores, meal preparation, assist you up to bed and be there to make life a little easier, doing the difficult things for you to help prevent any accidents such as falls.