Falls and fractures are common among seniors, and Clutter Awareness Week (August 6-12) is the perfect time to think about reducing clutter in your home. For seniors, keeping the home free from trip hazards is extremely important. A safe living environment can help prevent falls and injuries. We have some useful tips to help create a safer home by minimizing trip hazards.
The Importance of Keeping Walkways Clear
Clutter tends to build up in various areas of the home, making walkways dangerous. Hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms often accumulate objects that can pose trip hazards. To maintain clear pathways, it's important to regularly declutter these high-traffic areas. Consider using storage solutions, like baskets and shelves, to keep items off the ground or otherwise organized.
By keeping walkways decluttered, you help ensure that seniors can safely move around. Clear walkways also make it easier to navigate with mobility aids like walkers or canes.
Remove Loose Rugs and Carpets
Loose rugs and carpets can pose significant risks. They can easily curl up or slide, leading to trips and falls. There are safer alternatives.
- Non-slip mats: These mats have a rubber bottom that grips the floor, making them less likely to move. They're used between rugs and hard floors.
- Double-sided carpet tape: This can keep rugs in place and prevent them from sliding.
It's better to remove rugs altogether if these don't reliably keep them safe and secure.
Install Proper Lighting
Good lighting is necessary for preventing trips and falls, especially for seniors. Proper lighting helps seniors identify obstacles and safely navigate the home. Here are some lighting installations for improving home safety:
- Motion-sensor lights: These lights automatically turn on when they detect movement, providing immediate illumination.
- Nightlights: While easily accessible or automatic light switches and full lighting are best, nightlights can illuminate paths, reducing the risk of stumbling.
- Floor-level lighting: Even in the daytime, lights at lower levels help eliminate confusing shadows.
Ensure all areas are well-lit. Good lighting on staircases is particularly important to prevent falls. Improved lighting can provide seniors with greater confidence in moving around the home, knowing that they can easily see where they are going.
Organize Frequently Used Items for Easy Access
Identifying frequently used items and organizing them within easy reach is another way to minimize trip hazards. Items such as medications, remote controls, and reading glasses should be readily accessible without needing to climb or bend over. Place items within easy reach, and store frequently used items on lower shelves or countertops to avoid the need for reaching or stretching. Use labeled storage containers: Clearly labeled containers can help quickly locate needed items and reduce the time spent rummaging through clutter. By organizing frequently used items, you make the home safer and more efficient, which is especially helpful for seniors.
Stay Safe With Senior Helpers
If you're looking for professional help to create a safer home for your senior loved one in Louisville, LaGrange, Crestwood, Jefferson County, and Prospect, contact us today at Senior Helpers Louisville. We are here to assist you in making your home a safer place to live.