Falls among Americans occur at a staggering rate of 25% of all individuals over age 65. The fall rate for Missouri’s older adults is higher at 27.3%. Although most people think falls are an inevitable part of aging. However, they are not! Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. To decrease your chances of falling, consider the list below provided by the National Council on Aging to make sure your home is safe.
Avoid Falls at Home:
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Safer
1. Clear the way. Remove tripping hazards, like throw rugs, cords, or
clutter on the floor. Move furniture to create a path for safe movement.
2. Light it up. Replace lightbulbs with bright, non-glare bulbs to help you see around the house.
3. Have a seat. Place a chair in your bedroom so you can sit while getting dressed or putting shoes on.
4. Secure some support. Buy a shower seat, grab bar, and an adjustableheight handheld showerhead to make bathing easier.
5. Store for success. Keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height, making them easier to access without the need for a stepstool or unsafe reaching.