September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month, and what better way to create awareness than by sharing some tips on preventing falls? According to CDC, seniors experience around 36 million falls annually, leading to more than 32,000 fatalities. Falls can be fatal and cause long-term disability, but the good thing is that you can prevent the risk of your senior loved one from falling.
One simple way to reduce the risk of seniors falling is to install rails and bars around the home. Rails provide support and stability, while bars can help them maintain balance when getting in and out of the shower or bathtub.
For seniors living in Richmond, Midlothian, Petersburg, and Glen Allen, their balance and stability are crucial to prevent slips and falls. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 3 rails and bars you can install at home to help your senior loved one stay safe.
1. Grab Bars for The Shower or Bathtub
Slipping and falling when taking a shower or bath is a common occurrence for seniors. This can result in cuts, fractures, head injuries, and even death. To help your senior loved one avoid these accidents, you can install grab bars in their shower or bathtub.
Different types of grab bars are available in the market, so choose the ones that best suit your needs. For instance, permanent grab bars are preferred as they provide more stability and support.
2. Handrails On Stairs
If your senior loved one lives in a multi-level home, installing handrails on all the stairs is essential. This will give them something to hold on to when going up or down the stairs, preventing them from slipping and falling.
When choosing handrails, make sure to pick ones that are made of durable materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum. They should also be easy to grip so that your senior loved one can hold on to them easily.
3. Grab Bars Beside the Bed
Seniors can find it challenging to get in and out of bed, which can lead to falling accidents. To prevent this, you can install grab bars on both sides of the bed. When they are put in place, your senior loved one from Richmond, Midlothian, Petersburg, and Glen Allen can use them for support when getting in bed. Additionally, they can also use the bars to steady themselves when they are getting out of bed.
When choosing grab bars, make sure they are made of sturdy materials and can be installed easily. You should also opt for ones with a textured surface to provide more grip.
Take Away
Falls are a leading cause of death among seniors in the United States, and this is not something that should be taken lightly. To help prevent your senior loved one from falling, you can install rails and bars around the house, as highlighted above.
Senior Helpers Richmond West in-home senior care experts are here to help with any home safety needs you may have. We offer quality in-home senior care in Richmond, Midlothian, Petersburg, and Glen Allen, to ensure your loved one is well taken care of. Contact us today to learn more!