When you are caring for an older parent, you may already watch for things that could cause a fall at home. But keeping the floors clear is a job for the whole family. Shoes by the door, bags in the hallway, or a spill in the kitchen can become a trip hazard for anyone. September is Fall Prevention Month, making it a good time to build a few simple habits that everyone in the household can follow.
1. Keep Shoes and Bags by the Door
Shoes tend to pile up near the entrance, especially when several people live in the home. Bags, backpacks, and other items can end up there, too.
Give these things a specific place. A shoe tray, shelf, or small bench with storage can keep footwear off the floor. Hooks or a small rack can keep bags out of the walkway. If your parent uses a cane or walker, keep extra space around the entrance so they have a clear path into the home.
2. Do a Nightly Five-Minute Reset
A quick cleanup at the end of the day can keep clutter from building up. Choose a time that works for your family, such as after dinner or before bed. Walk through the main living areas and pick up anything left on the floor. Put away shoes and toys, move bags to their usual spots, and push chairs back under the table. Making this a shared routine means the responsibility does not fall on one person.
3. Keep Cords and Other Trip Hazards Out of the Way
Some trip hazards are easy to overlook because they are only there temporarily. Phone chargers, laundry baskets, small stools, and vacuum cleaners can all end up in a walkway.
Give these items a regular storage spot. Keep charging cords close to outlets and avoid running them across areas where people walk. Put the vacuum away after using it rather than leaving it in the hall until later. The easier something is to put away, the more likely everyone is to do it.
4. Clean Up Spills Right Away
Spills can happen in seconds, especially in a busy kitchen. Slick floors are among the most common fall hazards for older adults at home, so keeping floors dry is an important part of fall prevention.
Keep a towel or cloth somewhere easy to reach so someone can clean up a spill right away. Make it a household rule that whoever notices a spill takes care of it. Also check for water near sinks, tubs, and other areas where floors can get wet.
5. Check Your Walkways Regularly
Set aside a few minutes each month to look at the home with fresh eyes. Look for loose rugs, cords, clutter near the stairs, or items that have started collecting in a hallway. Ask your parent if there is anything they find difficult to get around. They may notice a problem others have overlooked.
Stay Safe at Home with Tailored In-Home Care From Senior Helpers
The routines you build as a family can reduce everyday trip hazards for senior loved ones at home. If your family could use some extra support with your loved one's day-to-day care, Senior Helpers Northern Queens provides in-home care for families in Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, Elmhurst, Corona, Flushing, Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, Maspeth, College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Oakland Gardens, Little Neck, and Fresh Meadows. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.