Home

Spring Cleaning the Safe Way: Fall-Prevention Tips From Home Instead West Lothian

Fall-prevention tips from Home Instead West Lothian; our simple spring-cleaning ideas help older adults stay safe, sound, and comfortable at home.

When it comes to giving your home a good clear-out, spring is the ideal time. But while making your house ready for the longer, lighter days – take a moment to consider some of these home safety tips to prevent falls. 

Our Care Professionals at Home Instead West Lothian help older people stay safe and comfortable at home, especially when it comes to minimising tripping hazards and staying active. Here are some simple ways to spring clean and increase the safety factor of your home. 

Spring Cleaning for a Safer Home

Keep the following in mind while you’re getting your house in order: 

  1. Walkways should remain clear of all obstacles which could cause a fall. Whether it’s shoes or pet toys, make sure the hallway, doorway, stairs, and other busy areas remain clean and clear. 
  2. Sort out the floors by replacing loose rugs with non-slip mats. As for cables and wires, hide those along the walls or behind furniture to avoid someone taking a tumble. 
  3. Shine some light in dim spots by replacing weak bulbs, particularly in areas like staircases, landings, and bathrooms. For late-night trips to the loo, there’s nothing better than a nightlight. 
  4. Keep everyday items close by, storing mugs and medication, for example, somewhere that doesn’t require reaching or climbing. 
  5. Use the correct tools when cleaning. That means not standing on wobbly chairs to reach high places. Instead, opt for a proper step stool and/or long-handled tools so you can stay safely grounded. 
A woman with short hair and wearing skirt cleaning and vacuuming the floor with an older female adult

Simple Home Changes to Prevent Falls

No need for a giant renovation; just commit to some small alterations like these: 

– Install Grab Rails: Handy near the stairs, in the bathroom, or by the toilet, grab rails are key for offering extra support. 

– Use Non-Slip Mats: Pop these down in the bathroom or kitchen, and other areas prone to wet floors, to help prevent slips.

– Reorganise Furniture: More space isn’t just comfortable, it can also up your home’s safety factor by minimising obstacles to bump into or trip over. 

– Wear Supportive Footwear: Instead of socks or loose slippers, encourage wearing shoes with a good grip to help boost your balance. 

West Lothian offers excellent access to modern support technology. Through our connections with local occupational therapists, we can help arrange assessments for mobility aids and home modifications. From personal alarms to motion-sensor lighting, we know which solutions work best in different situations

Don’t Neglect Healthy Habits

Sprucing up your space is one thing, but committing to healthy habits is just as crucial. 

  • Stay Active: Whether it’s a stroll in the garden, an active social event, or some gentle stretches, light movements are great for strength and balance. 
  • Check Your Eyes and Ears: Sight or hearing problems can make falls more likely, which means regular GP check-ups are important.
  • Eat Well and Keep Hydrated: A proper diet supports bone health and raises energy levels.  
  • Talk About Medications: Chat to your GP or pharmacist about your prescriptions, as some meds are known to cause dizziness. 
An older female adult holding a cup and wearing eyeglasses with grey hair chatting with his male carer wearing green and chopping vegetables inside the kitchen

We work alongside several excellent local organisations, including the West Lothian Fall Prevention Partnership Service and NHS Lothian’s Community Teams. These partnerships enable us to provide comprehensive support for our clients. The West Lothian Care Home Support Team offers free home assessments, while the local Age Scotland branch runs balance classes at community centres across the region.

Supporting Your Loved Ones

When visiting an older relative, friend or neighbour in West Lothian, you might spot a few easy ways to make their home safer. This could mean helping with a bit of tidying, moving things around, or simply chatting about possibilities to make their life easier.

And remember: you’re not alone. We are here and happy to help. At Home Instead West Lothian, we offer friendly, personalised care that supports our community to live independently and safely at home. 

To find out how we can help you or a loved one, give us a ring on 0150 634 6046.