Safer Homes This Spring: Fall-Prevention Tips From Home Instead Hereford
Fall-prevention tips for older adults at home. Find out what Home Instead Hereford recommends when it comes to safe spring-cleaning ideas.
With spring blossoming, many of us feel inspired to give our homes a good tidy up. But spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out cupboards and dusting the skirting boards…
Here at Home Instead Hereford, we’re proud to support older adults in our community to stay safe and independent at home. Which means doing what we can to cancel those dangerous tripping risks.
So, while you’re sprucing things up this spring, here are some easy ways to make your home a bit safer.
A Safer Spring Clean: Where to Start
Ways to prevent falls while we’re spring cleaning:
– Clear the Clutter – Start by looking at high-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, and doorways. Remove all items that might cause a stumble – from shoes and bags to bits of laundry.
– Tidy the Floors – Opt for non-slip grips under mats instead of plopping down a loose rug. As for exposed cables, simply tuck them neatly along skirting boards or behind furniture.
– Light It Up – Dim lighting makes it hard to spot obstacles. Check if those light bulbs need an update, especially in stairwells, landings, and bathrooms. You might even consider adding a nightlight or two.
– Make Essentials Easy to Reach – Store everyday items, like mugs, toothbrushes, and medication, at waist- or chest height. Much more convenient, plus it cancels the need for stretching or bending.
– Be Careful When Cleaning – Reaching high shelves or corners? Forget about balancing on an unsteady chair and rather choose a sturdy step stool with a handrail and/or a long-handled duster.
Helpful Home Tweaks
A few small updates can also make your home that much safer:
– Install Grab Rails – Great for bathrooms, next to the loo, or by steps where extra support is helpful.
– Lay Down Non-Slip Mats – Ideal in wet areas like the bathroom or kitchen to help prevent slips.
– Rearrange Furniture – Creating wider walkways makes moving around easier and reduces the chance of bumping into things.
– Choose Safe Footwear – Well-fitting shoes with proper grip are much safer than loose slippers or socks.
Don’t Neglect Your Health
It’s not just your surroundings that affect your risk of falling – your overall health and wellbeing can play a role. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay Active – Gentle exercise like walking or seated stretches can help maintain balance, strength, and coordination.
- Keep an Eye (and Ear) on Things – Changes in vision or hearing can make it harder to spot tripping hazards. That’s why regular GP visits are important.
- Eat Well and Drink Enough – A good diet and staying hydrated help you feel steady and energised throughout the day.
- Check Your Medication – Another great reason to stick to GP/ pharmacist appointments. Make sure to discuss your medicines if you’ve been feeling dizzy or unsteady.
Helping Someone You Care About
A little help can make a big difference. Do you have a parent, friend, or neighbour in the Hereford area who might benefit from a few safety tweaks at home? Offer to move furniture, tidy cables, or even just have a chat about what changes could make things easier.
And if extra support is needed, we’re always here. At Home Instead Hereford, our caring team provides personalised, reliable assistance. From companionship to lending a hand around the house, we are committed to helping our clients enjoy a safer home life.
Want to chat about how we can support you or someone you care about? Give us a ring on 0143 280 4000 – we’re happy and ready to help.