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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the CDC, many other seniors are seriously injured when they lose balance, trip, or fall for another reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few tips for fall safety at home where there are senior residents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the easiest ways to avoid taking an unnecessary spill\nis to clean up the home. Especially clutter at ground level. If you need help\ndoing this, it\u2019s worth it to call in a professional who can assist with\nclearing out items you no longer need or use and tidying up all of your spaces\nso that they are trip-free and no longer a hazard to your future health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve noticed you\u2019re losing balance or taking\ncombinations of medications that could make you dizzy, it\u2019s worth it to invest\nin good sturdy railings around the home that you can fully support yourself on.\nFrom stairways and even hallways, there\u2019s a lot that a convenient grab bar can\ndo to help you safely navigate around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important as we age to keep open communication with our doctor. If you\u2019re noticing that you\u2019re losing your balance more often or no longer feel stable without a walker or cane to assist you it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n