Safer Homes: Fall-Prevention Tips from Home Instead Tyne Valley
Home Instead Tyne Valley presents easy fall-prevention tips for older adults. This is how to spring clean a home while also keeping it safe and comfortable.
Is there any better way of freshening up a home than with some spring cleaning? But between the dusting and decluttering, make sure to also spot anything that could cause a trip or a fall.
Here at Home Instead Tyne Valley, we understand that a fall, even a small one, can really set you back because we work with older and less mobile adults every day. But we also know that a handful of small changes around the house can make a world of difference.
Time for a Tidy Up – and a Quick Safety Check
As you go about your spring clean, it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential tripping hazards. See how these tiny tweaks can make a massive difference:
Banish the Clutter: Shoes in the hallway, magazines stacked by the sofa… they’re easy to miss but just as easy to trip over. Make moving around much easier and safer by clearing the clutter in walkway areas like halls, doorways, and stairs.
Check the Floors: Got a rug that doesn’t sit flat? Or some cables trailing across the room? Non-slip mats help keep rugs in place, while tucking wires along the skirting board can prevent a tumble.
Brighten Things Up: Areas like stairs and the bathroom need to be well lit with proper bulbs. And don’t overlook the importance of a small nightlight for those late-night loo visits.
Keep It Close:If possible, cancel the need to stretch or climb on top of things. Move everyday items like cups or toiletries to a shelf or worktop that’s easy to reach without balancing on tiptoes.
Clean Safely: Please don’t stand on a chair! If you need to reach high places, use a proper step stool with a handrail or, even better, a long-handled duster or mop.
A Few Handy Home Changes
Don’t want to risk a fall and hospital visit? Then don’t ignore these simple changes, which don’t take long at all.
– Install grab rails where extra support is needed most, like the bathroom or stairs.
– Non-slip mats are ideal for areas prone to wet floors, like the bathroom and kitchen.
– Move the furniture around to free up more legroom for walking.
– Wear the right footwear, like proper shoes with a good grip, as opposed to socks or going barefoot.
Staying Healthy Also Helps
Checking in on your health can be just as important as rethinking your home’s layout. To prevent a nasty fall:
- Exercise: Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or balancing are great for improving strength and stability.
- Get a Check-Up: Poor vision or hearing can make it harder to spot obstacles or hear warning sounds.
- Eat and Drink Well: Don’t discount the benefits of good nutrition, like keeping bones strong and energy levels up.
- Check Your Meds: As some medicines can make you feel dizzy, it’s always worth having a chat with your GP or pharmacist.
Pop In and Check on Someone
A quick visit and a friendly chat might be just what your older neighbour or loved one needs. Perhaps you could help with some light tidying up, move bits of furniture out of the way, or just go over a few simple safety tips together.
And if they need a bit more help at home, we’re here. At Home Instead Tyne Valley, we offer kind, tailored, and professional care that helps older people stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes. We can only offer risk assessments and check-in calls with our clients to ensure they stay safe.
We are ready and waiting to have a chat about helping a loved one. To find out more, give us a ring on 0143 469 3700.