INFOGRAPHIC - Fall Hazards In The Home

We are aware that due to the pandemic everyone is spending more time at home.More time at home could lead to potential falls.This can mean that mom or dad may need more help identifying the fall hazards in their home.

Using these tips can help prevent falls in your senior loved ones home.Read the text alternative Identifying Fall Hazards In The Home.Share This On Your SiteShare this Image On Your Site<p><strong>Please include attribution to caringseniorservice.com with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/infographic-fall-hazards-in-the-home'><img src='https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hub/433510/hubfs/Infographics/Fall%20Hazards%20in%20Home%20Infographic.jpg?t=1601990996137&width=860' alt='Fall Hazards In The Home' 540px border='0' /></a></p>Identifying Fall HazardsInTheHomeBedroomFACT: Falls caused by poor lighting result in 8 million falls each year in the US.Lose itemsKeep loose items off the floors,like dirtyclothes or a towel, to prevent seniors from tripping over them.Poor LightingPoor lighting anywhere in the home can reduce visibility and lead to a serious fall.Make sure the home is well lit and consider adding night lights down hallways and stairs in case seniors get up during the night.BedGetting out of bed can become dangerous for seniors who are prone to falling.Install bedrails to the side of the bed to help again seniorsstay in bed and get out of bed safely.Stairs and HallwaysFACT: Adults over 75 years old are 5x more likely to fall on the stairs than younger adults.

FACT: Every 30 seconds an individual in the US fall on the stairs.Unstable handrailsWhen seniors goup ordown the stairs, they may rely on the handrails to support their weight.A weak or unsteady handrail could cause them to fall.Carpet runnersCarpet runners are decorative elements that run down the stairs or hallway.These carpets can create uneven surfaces that may cause a senior to trip.Low contrastSeniorswith vision problems may not be able to see where one stair ends and another begins.

Consider adding a contrasting color or design to the end of the stair treads.BathroomFACT: 80% of senior falls occur in the bathroom.Wet floorThe bathroom floor can become slippery as a senior goes about theirdailtroutine.Add skid-resistant rugs that wont slide on hard surfaces to help absorb water droplets.Slippery tubThe bathtub is a common place for falls.Use non-slip shower mats to give the tub more traction or consider ashowerchair and handheld shower head.Low toilet seatsSeniors may have difficulty standing up after using the restroom, especially if the toilet seat is low.

Install grab bars near the toilet to help a senior sit down and stand up with ease.Or add a raise toilet seat.KitchenFact: every 19 minutes, a senior dies from a fall.Heavy itemsIt can be dangerous for seniors to lift heavy appliances in their kitchen.

If their strength falls, a senior may accidentally drop the appliance on themselves or they may fall.Try placing heavy applianceson low shelves or on the countertop.Unstable chairsUnstable furniture can knock a senior off their balance.Make sure the chairs are stable and wont slide around the kitchen floor.

Chairs with armrests are best because the armrests provide extra stability when seniors stand up.SpillsWe all make messes in the kitchen.But these messes can turn into hazards for seniors if they arent cleaned up quickly.Living roomFACT: Each year, seniors are treated in the emergency room for falls.Cords and wiresMake sure that cords and wires are out of the wayThrow rugsThrow rugs might look great in yourspace, but they can be a tripping hazard.They can cause uneven surfaces, and seniors might trip over the edges.

If you do have a rug, secure it with tape orother adhesive.Narrow pathwaysSeniors need ample space to navigate the home.Narrow pathways can cause themotlist their balance and fall.Ensure that there are clear pathways to navigate around furniture in the living room.OutdoorsFACT: 30% of senior falls occur outside the homeUneven or cracked concreteUneven concrete in your driveway sidewalk, or patio couldcause a senior to tripand fall.

Repair the concrete if possible, or mark hazardous areas withbrightpaint, small neon flags, or other items.Poor TractionOutdoor areas may become slick due to weather or other facts.The lack of traction can cause a senior to slip.Try adding textured paint to your deck, abrasive strips to stairs, or having your senior loved one wear shoes with good traction.Depending on the weather, you may need to put ice melt on thedriveway.Overgrown trees and shrubsPruning tall branches may be difficult and could cause a senior to overexert or injure themselves.

However,Ifnot taken care of, branches and shrubs can become a hazard to the home.Consider helping out your loved one or hiring a professional.