Safety and home
Fall prevention
Fall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall. They include exercise, medicine reviews, vision checks, safer footwear and home changes such as grab bars and good lighting. A doctor can help build a plan.
Why it matters for your family
Falls can cause serious injury, and fear of falling can make a person less active. The National Institute on Aging offers tips on avoiding trips and slips and lowering the chance of fractures. Home changes help, such as grab bars, nonskid mats and clear paths. A medical alert system adds a way to call for help. A common mistake is to restrict a person's movement to prevent falls. That can weaken muscles and raise risk. Ask the doctor to review medicines, balance and vision. A caregiver can assist with mobility and watch for hazards. HomeCare.com caregivers give non-medical support only.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home
Related terms
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- Home safety assessmentA home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.
- Grab barsGrab bars are sturdy handles fixed to a wall, usually in a bathroom, that give a person something solid to hold when standing, sitting or stepping.
- Medical alert systemA medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency.
- Mobility assistanceMobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.
- Non-slip flooringNon-slip flooring is flooring or a floor treatment that gives better grip, especially when wet.
