Preventing falls inside your home

Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly for seniors. As we discussed in a previous column, the two primary reasons for falls are a decrease in strength and balance; and environmental factors. We previously focused on preventing falls outside your home. In this column, we will focus on preventing falls inside your home. As we age, our balance, strength, and visual acuity naturally decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, common visual changes for older adults include struggling to see up close, difficulty with distinguishing colors, and needing additional time to adjust to changing levels of light. Certain conditions also contribute to a higher likelihood of falling. Let's examine the inside of your home, determine if there are any unsafe spaces, and find strategies or modifications to make your home safer. First, let's consider your living room. Some questions to think about are: Is the lighting adequate? Is there a glare? Is there a light switch near the entrance? Is the flooring in good condition? Are plastic runners/carpet protectors tacked down? Do throw rugs have anti-skid backing and no upturned corners? While using throw rugs in your home may offer design and comfort, they are considered a contributing factor to falls. Ideally, you should try to minimize the use of throw rugs, and make sure all edges of rugs are secured down. Using an assistive device such as a cane or walker will make it harder to move safely over and around throw rugs. It is a safer practice to remove all throw rugs to avoid a fall. Also, think about where you sit in your living room. As we age, it becomes more challenging to transfer up and down, and on and off of lower surfaces. Raised chairs and/or lift chairs can make transfers much easier while requiring less energy. Next, let's focus on the kitchen. Reflect on these questions: Are frequently used items visible and easily reached? Are sinks and faucets easy to reach? Are countertop heights accessible? Are burners and control knobs clearly labeled and easy to use? Are the controls near the front of the stove or the back? The kitchen is a crucial space in terms of safety. Think about lighting and accessibility (the ability to reach and retrieve commonly used items and appliances). If lighting is a challenge, consider using higher wattage bulbs and/or installing additional lighting or lamps. If you have a difficult time with accessibility, consider how you could more safely retrieve items in your space. For example, rather than place items in the pantry where they are difficult to reach, place them out in a more permanent space on your countertop. Lastly, assess your bathroom. Ask yourself these questions: Are the sink basin and tub faucets, shower control, and drain plugs manageable? Is the mirror height appropriate? Can you step in and out of the shower safely? What is the toilet height? Can you easily reach the paper, flush, and come from sit-to-stand posture? Is space available for a caregiver to assist? Bathing spaces are a major concern as they involve a wet surface. Installing a removable shower head offers the option to sit or stand while bathing. Adaptive equipment such as a tub bench or shower chair will allow you to sit while bathing. The tub bench actually extends beyond the width of the bathtub and offers a space to sit on the end of the bench outside of the tub. This added extension provides an area to undress and then to scoot safely into the tub, avoiding the need to step over the tub if strength or balance is a concern. Raised toilet seats or commodes also provide a safer option to get on and off of the toilet. Grab bars can be installed throughout the bathroom, providing the ability to hold onto something if you feel unsteady. Being proactive about fall prevention can make all the difference in the world. If you are concerned about a particular space in your home, don't wait to do something about it. Commit to at least one positive change that you can make to your home or for a loved one to create a safer inside environment. It will help to avoid unnecessary falls and hospitalizations. Lindsay Buddelmeyer is a leadership education and training specialist with Blanchard Valley Health System.