September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month, a good time to take a fresh look at your home. A few simple checks can uncover things that may increase the risk of you tripping, slipping, or losing your balance. Going room by room lets you focus on one area at a time and address problems as you find them.
1. Check the Front Door and Entryway
Start where you come in. Is the porch light bright enough? Ensure that you can easily see the lock, steps, and walkway. Consider installing a motion-sensor bulb, especially if you often arrive home after dark. Check the mat inside the door. If it curls at the edges or slides across the floor, replace it with one that lies flat and has a rubber backing.
Keep a sturdy bench or chair near the door. This gives you a place to sit while putting on or taking off your shoes. If you have steps leading to your door, check that the handrail is secure. If the stairs are wide, a second handrail may give you more support. The CDC's STEADI program also offers a home safety checklist you can use as you go through each room.
2. Make the Kitchen, Living Room Safer
In the kitchen, keep the dishes, mugs, and other items you use often within easy reach. Avoid standing on a chair or using a step stool to reach a high shelf. Clean up spills as soon as they happen and keep a mop within easy reach. Ensure the floor is clear of anything that could cause you to trip.
Check that lamp and electronic cords are out of the walking path in the living room. Move them along the wall or secure them where they will not get in the way. Pay attention to your chairs, too. If you have trouble getting out of a favorite chair, consider investing in one with firm cushions and sturdy arms. You should not have to pull yourself up by grabbing a table or lamp. Loose area rugs are among the most common fall hazards indoors, so it’s best to remove them.
3. Pay Attention to the Bathroom, Bedroom, and Stairs
In the bathroom, check that the floor is dry and that bath mats do not slide around. Installing grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub can give you extra support. A shower chair and handheld showerhead can also make bathing easier and more comfortable.
Bedrooms need lighting you can turn on without getting out of bed. Keep a lamp on the nightstand with an easy-to-use switch or touch base. A nightlight can also make the path to the bathroom easier to see in the dark.
Ensure there is enough light at the top and bottom of the stairs and that the handrails are secure. If the stairs are wide enough, having a handrail on both sides can provide extra support. Contrasting tape on the edge of each step can also make them easier to see. If a stair tread moves or a runner has come loose, have it repaired rather than leaving it for later.
Stay Safe at Home with In-Home Support From Senior Helpers
Fall prevention starts with taking a close look at the places you use every day. If you need support with everyday tasks around your home, Senior Helpers Buffalo can help. We work with families across Buffalo, Depew, Lancaster, Amherst, and Bowmansville through senior care services personalized to your unique needs and preferences. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.