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Home Instead Fareham & Gosport: The Best Tips to Avoid a Fall

Read fall-prevention from Home Instead Fareham & Gosport to help your spring clean. Help older adults stay safe, independent, and confident at home.

An older male adult with grey and wearing a bathrobe walking inside the house while using a crutch and being helped by his younger female carer wearing green and smiling

There’s something about spring that makes us want to open the windows, have a clear-out, and freshen things up. But while you’re tidying up, it’s also a great time to ensure your home is as safe as it can be, especially for older loved ones.

At Home Instead Fareham & Gosport, we support older and less mobile people to live safely and independently at home. One of the biggest risks we see is falls, which can lead to serious injury. Luckily, those can be prevented with a few small changes.

Two women walking inside the garden while looking at the flowers both happy and smiling

Quick Safety Tips While You Spring Clean

Who says you can’t spring clean while simultaneously minimising those tripping hazards? Here’s how: 

– Clear the Clutter – Keep walkways like hallways and stairs free from tripping hazards like shoes or bags.

– Fix Slippery Spots – Use non-slip mats under rugs and tidy away loose wires.

– Brighten Up – Make sure lights are working, especially on stairs and in bathrooms. Add nightlights for extra safety at night.

– Reorganise Essentials – Store everyday items within easy reach to avoid stretching, climbing, or bending.

– Use Safe Tools – Opt for a step stool with a handle or long-handled cleaning tools instead of climbing on chairs.

Small Home Changes That Make a Difference

Here are some quick and simple ways to make a home safer:

– Install Grab Rails – Handy in bathrooms, by the loo, or near steps, grab rails give extra support where needed most.

– Pop Down Non-Slip Mats – Great for bathrooms and kitchens, especially where floors can get wet, as they help cut down the risk of slipping.

– Move Furniture Around – Creating clear walkways makes it easier to get about safely without bumping into things.

– Wear Proper Footwear Indoors – Slippers and socks can be slippery; well-fitting shoes with a good grip are a safer choice around the house.

Healthy Habits That Help

Looking after your general health is just as important as keeping your home safe:

  • Keep Active: Simple activities like walking and stretching can enhance balance and strengthen muscles.
  • Have Your Vision and Hearing Checked: Changes in vision or hearing can affect stability, so regular check-ups are important.
  • Eat and Drink Well: A balanced diet and staying hydrated help with energy, bone health, and overall well-being.
  • Check Your Medication: Some prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines may cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. If you’ve noticed such changes, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

A female carer wearing grown and smiling while standing at the door and bringing groceries to an older male adult with grey hair wearing blue and happy

Supporting Loved Ones at Home

Taking the time to regularly visit an older friend, family member, or neighbour in Fareham & Gosport can make a world of difference. Whether it’s helping to tidy up, shifting furniture for easier movement, or just having a friendly chat about ways to make their home safer, it all helps. Such small changes can prevent falls and help everyone feel more at ease.

Need a bit of extra support? That’s where we come in. At Home Instead Fareham & Gosport, our experienced and caring team is here to help people stay safe and independent in their own homes. 

For more information or a friendly chat, give us a call on 01329 596 706 – we’re here when you need us.