5 Simple, At-Home Fall Prevention Methods for Seniors

“Falling can come with additional health risks as we age, but there are easy ways to help reduce your risk of taking a tumble at home. These fundamental fall prevention techniques can help you thrive while you age in place.” 

For seniors, understanding fall prevention techniques can help you thrive as you age in place. As we get older, taking a tumble becomes more of a hazard to our health. Falls can lead to serious health risks. Bone fractures and breaks are some of the most common reasons for emergency room visits for seniors. Plus, the risk of falling increases as we age because our motor and balance skills tend to wane. 

Here are five easy ways to help decrease your risk of falling when living at home.

Keep the Stairs in Good Shape

Fall prevention can be as simple as keeping your stairs clean, clear, and in good repair. Check regularly for treads that might be loose or sticking up. Remember that worn carpet with an uneven surface presents a trip hazard, so you should replace it as needed. And don’t neglect spills or clutter that can make your staircase a danger to your health.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Finding the proper footwear can be one of the easiest ways to help reduce the risk of falling as you age. Your shoes should fit well and be snug around the foot. They should also have a good tread that provides traction and grip as you walk. 

If you’d rather not wear shoes while you’re at home, you can find great house slippers and sock options that can help prevent falls. Look for slippers and socks with grips on the bottom that fit around the foot for a snug fit.

Bump Up the Lighting

One of the easiest ways to avoid trip hazards is to make sure you can see them adequately. In dark hallways or staircases, you might not be able to spot any dangers in your path easily. Installing tread lighting, overhead lighting, or even nightlights can help highlight any potential obstacles in your way.

Install Handrails & Accessible Grips

There’s no shame in investing in handrails and grips that can help you reduce your risk of falling at home. From staircases to bathrooms, we could all use a helping hand from time to time. For seniors who live alone, handrails and grips are a must. When you’re on your own, you need an environment that supports you and your independence. 

Stay Active

Sometimes staying active is just what the doctor ordered. As we age, our motor skills and sense of balance tend to decrease, which is one of the most significant contributing factors to our risk of falling. Staying active can help combat this.

It doesn’t take much to help stay physically sharp. Look for activities like water aerobics, yoga, and even light resistance training to improve your balance and keep your motor skill up to par.

Conclusion: Stay Healthy with Fall Prevention for Seniors

Sure, falling can come with additional health risks as we age, but there are easy ways to help reduce your risk of falling at home. Don’t let obstacles trip you up, and stay sharp by staying active. Keep your stairs and hallways well-lit and in good repair. With a bit of effort, these fundamental fall prevention techniques can help you thrive while you live at home and age in place.