Safe Homes for Seniors
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Spring is the perfect time to refresh your space. For older adults, it’s also an ideal time to remove hazards that could cause a fall. Falls are serious and fall prevention can keep you safe and at home.
Falls are Serious-and Costly
According to the CDC:
- One in ten falls causes an injury that limits activity or requires medical care.
- About 3 million older adults annually visit the ER due to a fall.
- Roughly 1 million fall-related hospitalizations occur annually among older adults
Most likely you know someone who was doing fine up until they had a fall. For elders, a fall is usually the beginning of bad times. There is usually a hospital stay. If any bones were broken there will likely be time spent at a nursing home for rehab. Being bedbound leaves you more likely to contract pneumonia. In addition, you may come in contact with other contagions. Some seniors literally never recover from the consequences of a fall.
Stay Safe and Independent at Home
Most adults over 50 want to age in place. However, a recent Census Bureau report found that 1 in 10 adults over 65 struggle with basic tasks at home, including climbing stairs.
Here are some steps you can take to make your home safer:
- Add non-slip strips in showers and tubs
- Use nonskid wax on floors
- Remove throws rugs and chair wheels
- Install lever-style door handles
- Replace toilets with high-profile options
- Add nonskid stair treads and rubber-backed bathmats
- Use a shower chair with a back
Bonus tips: Watch for pet tripping hazards and use brightly colored tape to highlight changes in floor surfaces.
Take advantage of the season-turn on some music, pour a glass of lemonade, and start your spring safety cleaning!
And if you are a senior-please don’t get on a ladder! You can get someone to change the lightbulb or clean your gutters for you. Don’t risk your ability to live at home for simple household chores.
Need help planning for long-term care? Call Burzynski Elder Law at 239-434-8557. We are here to support you!