Every year, thousands of elderly people fall at home, get injured, and break their hands, legs, hip bones, and vertebrae. Falls often occur due to situations that are not given much attention in daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent them and eliminate their consequences.
The floor surface in each room should be smooth but not slippery.
Use high-powered light bulbs at home. Fluorescent lamps are more economical and provide better lighting. It should be comfortable to walk around the house. Keep passageways clear and ask someone to rearrange furniture if necessary. Remove all foreign objects from the elderly person’s walking path (shoes, pet bowls, bags, boxes, wires, etc.). Place frequently used items on lower shelves. Remove slippery rugs from the floor or secure them firmly to the floor. Check the height of the bed. The top edge of the mattress should be at knee level to make sitting and standing easier. All necessary items such as glasses, medicine, water, phone, watch, book, and newspaper should be within easy reach.
What should elderly people avoid doing on their own?
They should not take items from high upper shelves or high hanging cabinets in the kitchen by themselves. Wearing backless shoes increases their risk of falling and such shoes tend to slip. They should not climb stairs or chairs on their own.
Tips to reduce the risk of falling and maintain health:
Consult your doctor and ask them to review all the medications you are taking. Some of them may cause drowsiness or reduce alertness. Have your vision checked at least once a year. Poor vision increases the risk of falling.
Additional recommendations:
Register emergency service numbers next to every phone in the house.
Place the phone close to the floor so that if you fall and cannot get up, you can easily reach it. If you fall and cannot stand up, learn to send an alarm signal from your mobile phone. Write down and keep in an accessible place the names and phone numbers of your treating doctor, close relatives, and friends.
