Independent living takes on a whole new meaning for the aging. In addition to the ability to run their own errands and not need consistent care from a health provider, many seniors today are still enjoying living on their own or with family as they age. Whether there are some health ailments or not, there is still the alarming fact that fatal injuries every 20 minutes in the U.S. when an older person falls.

According to the CDC, many other seniors are seriously injured when they lose balance, trip, or fall for another reason.

If you want to protect yourself or your loved ones from becoming a victim of these statistics, you should take inventory around the home (indoors and outside) and eliminate as many potential tripping hazards as possible.

Here are a few tips for fall safety at home where there are senior residents.

Clear All Clutter

One of the easiest ways to avoid taking an unnecessary spill is to clean up the home. Especially clutter at ground level. If you need help doing this, it’s worth it to call in a professional who can assist with clearing out items you no longer need or use and tidying up all of your spaces so that they are trip-free and no longer a hazard to your future health.

Add Railings and Bars around the Home

If you’ve noticed you’re losing balance or taking combinations of medications that could make you dizzy, it’s worth it to invest in good sturdy railings around the home that you can fully support yourself on. From stairways and even hallways, there’s a lot that a convenient grab bar can do to help you safely navigate around. 

Maintain Good Lighting

Both in dark stairways, hallways as well as outdoor walkways and patios, you want to maintain good, clear, and bright lighting that illuminates where you will be stepping. If you cannot see an item on the ground, or uneven pavement you may lose your balance and fall or trip and be unnecessarily harmed.

Talk to Your Doctor

It’s important as we age to keep open communication with our doctor. If you’re noticing that you’re losing your balance more often or no longer feel stable without a walker or cane to assist you it’s important to ask your doctor for these tools or other therapies that could help you maintain your independent living status for as long as possible.

Speak to an insurance agent today about long term care insurance and life insurance options today!