7 Tips to Prevent Seniors From Falling at Home

Falls are the most common accident seniors experience and can lead to severe and lasting injuries. Most of the time, falls happen at home. There are seven ways to improve safety in the home to decrease the chances of falling.

The first step is to clean up any clutter around the house. Loose objects and papers present tripping and slipping hazards. Make sure everything has a place and is put back when not in use, including pet toys and feeding containers.

The second step is to clear away anything else that can cause tripping. Keep electrical cords bundled up and out of sight if possible. Remove carpet rugs and runners because they do not stay in place very well, and thick rugs have raised edges that can easily be stumbled over.Rearrange or get rid of excessive furniture to create more walking space.

The third step is to keep the floors dry. Immediately wipe up spills and dry the affected area. Polish hard floors with non-skid wax to make them less slippery. Place a non-skid mat on the bathroom floor and in the tub or shower to avoid slipping on water puddles.

The fourth step is to wear proper footwear inside the house. Wear shoes instead of just socks. Even rubber-soled socks are not always reliable and can wear through quickly. Replace shoes once they are worn. Avoid shoes with heels and laces that can come untied and cause tripping. Also, put rubber tips on the bottoms of canes and walkers.

The fifth step is to make sure the home is well lit. Stairways in particular need to have sufficient lighting. Plug in nightlights in the hallways and bathrooms for safer nighttime trips to the toilet. Remember to keep the walkway and stairs leading to the front door well lit, too.

The sixth step is to install handles and handrails wherever possible. It is most important to place them in the tub or shower and on steps and stairs indoors and out. Look out for other areas that can use a grab bar.

The seventh step is to eliminate seasonal hazards. Have the walkways and driveways shoveled and salted in the winter, raked in the fall, and swept of loose grass and branches in the spring and summer. Keep the yard maintained as well so no plants overgrow onto walking areas or make it dangerous to walk on the lawn.

When seniors take these preventive measures, they greatly reduce their risk of falling at home. But they may need help doing so. To learn about senior care services in Carlsbad, visit this website.

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5 Day Trips for Seniors With Mobility Limitations

Life as a senior can get mundane, especially when living alone or in a nursing home. These feelings canbe even more prominent among those with limited mobility. Bring some excitement into a senior’s life by going on a day trip to one of these places:

Museum

Museums are usually large and open to provide maximum space for walkers and wheelchair users. Their cold interiors are great for avoiding heat stroke. Choose a museum that fits your elderly loved one’s interests and schedule a tour, or go at your own pace.

Beach

Many beaches have handicap accessibility to get down to the shore. If your loved one would rather not lay on the sand and watch the waves, push him or her in a wheelchair down the sidewalk to watch the people and sample the vendors.

City

Get to know your own town. Visit an old-fashioned downtown area for unique shops and food, or check for a tour you can take on a bus or trolley.

Zoo

No one outgrows the fun of seeing wild animals. Zoos are very handicap accessible, and large ones usually have seated tours as well. This idea is best for mild weather days to avoid overheating.

Theater

Dress up for a night out seeing an opera or ballet at the theater. The required sitting is ideal for those with limited mobility, and the fancy attire and venue can help make up for any feelings of dependency.

Restricted movement doesn’t have to stop seniors from going out and about. Neither does not having friends or family members to accompany them. To learn about senior escorts in Vista, visit the website.

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