Staying Safe: 5 Fall-Prevention Ideas from Home Instead Maidstone

1. Tidy Up with Safety in Mind

While spring cleaning, see how you can up the safety factor in a home. Remember to:

Clear the Clutter

• Keep walkways and busy areas of the home, like stairs and hallways, clear. That means removing shoes, loose items, or shopping bags that can end up on the floor and become a tripping hazard. 

Make the Floor Safer

• Remove or secure loose rugs with non-slip backing.
• Tuck wires and cables neatly behind furniture or along skirting boards.

Light Up the Right Areas

• Replace dim or broken bulbs, especially in places like bathrooms, hallways, and staircases.
• Use nightlights to improve visibility for anyone getting up in the night.

Minimise Bending and Stretching 

• Everyday items, whether it’s tea, tablets or toiletries, should be stored where they’re easy to grab.

Use Safe Cleaning Tools

• If you’re cleaning up high, avoid standing on chairs or stools without support.
• A proper step stool with a handle or long-handled cleaning tools are much safer options.

2. Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference

Making the home safer doesn’t have to mean big changes. A few small updates can also reduce the chance of falls:

• Grab Rails: Adding these near toilets, baths, or stairs ensures extra support.

• Non-Slip Mats: Especially useful in the bathroom and kitchen, where floors can get wet.

• Move Furniture Around: A bit of rearranging can open up space and make it easier to move about.

• Wear Supportive Footwear: Socks and slippers can be slippery; well-fitting shoes with grip are a safer bet.

3. Don’t Forget About Health

While changes around the house can help a lot, don’t neglect your health. 

• It’s important to stay active, as light exercises like walking or stretching can go a long way in keeping muscles strong. 

• Since sight and hearing are key to balance and awareness, make sure to book regular check-ups with your GP.

• Be sure to eat and drink well, since staying hydrated while committing to a nutritious diet is key for keeping energy levels up. 

• As some meds are known to cause dizziness or tiredness, speak to your GP or pharmacist about your prescriptions if you notice any side effects. 

4. Helping Someone Else?

When visiting an older neighbour, friend or family member in Maidstone, have a quick look around their home. You might be able to help by:

• Moving potential tripping hazards out of the way. 

• Suggesting better lighting or grab rails.

• Offering to help reorganise cupboards or shelves.

Even having a chat about their day-to-day routine can make all the difference in the world to them.