Fall Prevention at Home: Safety Tips from Home Instead & King’s College Hospital
Home Instead Wandsworth, Lambeth & Dulwich presents helpful fall-prevention tips: simple spring-cleaning ideas to keep older adults safe and steady at home.
Recently, we had the pleasure of sponsoring a fall awareness session for the Lambeth Carers Group. This was led by Cynthia and Chris, two brilliant nurses from King’s College Hospital. It was a fantastic session: practical, friendly, and packed with useful advice. Everyone left feeling more confident about spotting risks and supporting loved ones at home. If you missed it, here’s some great advice to avoid trips and slips at home.
The time of year has come to open the windows, clear the clutter, and give the house a fresh clean-up: yes, spring is here. But as you scrub, sweep and sort, give a thought to home safety, especially for older loved ones.
We here at Home Instead Wandsworth, Lambeth & Dulwich support older people and those less mobile in living well and confidently at home. That means looking out for tripping hazards, one of the leading causes of injuries.
Safety First: Smart Spring Cleaning
A few simple adjustments are all that’s needed to help prevent a tumble at home:
- Keep your pathways clean and tidy by removing anything that can cause a fall, like shoes, bits of laundry, etc. This is especially important in hallways, stairways, and entryways.
- Non-slip grips are great for keeping loose rugs in place. And trailing wires can easily be taped along the wall or skirting board, or routed behind furniture pieces.
- Proper lighting is key to preventing stumbles, especially in dark corridors, on stairwells, and in bathrooms. While replacing old bulbs, consider a nightlight for those nightly loo visits.
- Move everyday items, like meds and toiletries, to more reachable areas to prevent stretching or climbing atop other things.
- Rethink your cleaning tools by replacing that wobbly chair with a sturdy step stool. For cleaning high places, we recommend long-handled dusters.
Easy Home Enhancements
You don’t need major changes to make a big impact; just look to these small updates:
– Ensure extra support by installing grab rails in the shower, on the stairs, etc.
– Reduce the odds of slipping on wet floors with non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen.
– Rethink furniture layouts to free up more legroom for walking.
– Invest in proper shoes with a good grip, as they are much safer than slippers or socks.
Healthy Routines Are Important
Keeping well isn’t just about cleaning house; our health habits play a role in fall prevention, too.
- Keep your balance and strength up with gentle daily activities, like walking, stretching or even gardening.
- As eyes and ears play a big part in balance and awareness, make sure to have yours checked regularly. Keep your mind sharp with mental exercises like games and puzzles.
- Commit to a healthy diet and stay hydrated, which supports strength and focus.
- Double-check your medications with your GP or pharmacist, as some side effects might include dizzy spells.
A Helping Hand When You Need It
Whether it’s an older neighbour, a parent, or a friend, popping in for a visit can go a long way. At Home Instead Wandsworth, Lambeth & Dulwich, we support local families with thoughtful, reliable care. From regular visits and helping around the house to offering companionship, we aim to help our clients feel safe and well in their own homes.
If you’d like to talk about how we can help you or someone you care about, give us a ring on 0208 022 5240. We’re always happy to chat.