How to Prevent Falls for Elderly at Home

Understanding how to prevent falls for the elderly at home is an important part of home safety for seniors because fall risk in older adults aged 65 and older is the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries.

In this article, we will cover home safety for seniors to prevent falls at home.

Why fall prevention matters

Home safety for seniors addresses the three main issues of aging: independence, mobility, and confidence. 

Aging in place is very important to most seniors, who want to live out their lives in their own homes and enjoy an independent lifestyle whenever possible.

Loss of independence

A single fall, even if there is no major injury, can trigger a phenomenon called “fear of falling.” This psychological trigger can influence a person to the point that they stop moving or doing many activities. 

This self-perpetuating cycle then leads to muscle deterioration and an increased risk of additional falls. This downward spiral creates isolation in your home.

Fall prevention for seniors

Elderly fall prevention is a proactive strategy to maintain physical function and independence. 

Addressing your home environment is the most important way to prevent barriers to seniors living at home, because research shows that once a senior falls, the odds of falling again double.

Why older adults are more likely to fall

Elderly fall prevention is a key factor in keeping seniors safe because aging involves an escalation of physiological, neurological, and environmental risks.

Physiological and neurological factors play a significant role in learning to prevent falls for the elderly at home, as balance and coordination are the first challenges seniors will face.

The most important concern is sarcopenia and muscle weakness that come with age if you don’t intervene with weight training.

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. Weak leg muscles, in particular, reduce an individual’s ability to maintain posture or regain balance after a sudden slip or trip.

Neurological and sensory decline is tied to the nervous system’s ability to process information. Reflexes slow down, and there is a documented decline in the body’s ability to sense your position.

Another aspect of sensory and neurological decline is visual impairment, such as cataracts or poor depth perception. Add hearing loss to the mix, and all of these factors make it hard for a senior to navigate their surroundings safely.

Cardiovascular changes

Another issue affecting some seniors is postural hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension, which occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing. This can lead to dizziness and loss of balance.

Chronic conditions

Other issues such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, stroke, dementia, and diabetes can directly affect gait, strength, and mobility. 

Additionally, fall prevention for seniors is important for those at risk from medications. Many older adults take multiple medications, which can cause side effects such as sedation, confusion, and blurred vision, all of which can increase the risk of falling.

Environmental hazards: A large percentage of home falls are related to poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, uneven surfaces, and a lack of grab bars. 

This can all be addressed by putting in place the right tools for fall prevention for seniors in their own home.

How to prevent falls for elderly at home

Perform a home audit

Provide clear pathways: Look for immediate ways to reduce risks from rugs, loose electrical cords, and clutter by removing them from walkways to create clear paths throughout the home, especially from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Lighting

Install motion-sensor nightlights in hallways and bathrooms. Also, ensure all light switches are located at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Traction

Improve traction by applying non-slip adhesive strips to bathroom floors and shower floors. Non-slip socks and rubber-soled footwear also make walking safer on hardwood and tile.

Stability aids

Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower, and use a Step2Bed bedside step with handrail in the bedroom to create a safe bedroom for seniors.

The physical reasons for falling

Review all medications to identify risks associated with commonly prescribed medications that might lead to falls.

Consider strength and balance training, especially weight-bearing exercises, to maintain bone density.

Balance training, such as Tai Chi, has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the risk of falling. In addition, core and leg strengthening can improve stability during movement. 

Always stay up to date with vision and hearing checks to make sure that depth perception isn’t impaired, which could create additional risks of falling.

Behavioral adjustments

Changing the way we move is also important for safety. Use a “slow-rise” from sitting to standing, or the “pivot and push” method, to allow blood pressure to stabilize before standing.

Use the right assistive devices for help, not furniture, but actual equipment designed to provide stability, such as a cane, walker, transfer pole, and Step2Health products for safe movement.

Always stay hydrated and well-nourished to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent dizziness.

How to make the bedroom safer

1. Improve lighting and visibility by using nightlights, keeping a flashlight within easy reach, or a voice-controlled lighting system to light the bedroom when entering or exiting.

2. At night, use nightlights and items such as the lighted Step2Bed to ensure safe trips to the bathroom.

3. Clear pathways of any tripping hazards.

4. Secure rugs and cords with tape or non-slip backing, and eliminate throw rugs wherever possible.

5. Clear excess furniture from around the bed area to make exit and entry safe.

6. Optimize bed safety with the right products designed to keep seniors safe.

7. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, such as clothing, phone, glasses, and mobility aids.

8. Footwear should also be non-slip, such as shoes, slippers, or socks.

How Step2Health products can help

Step2Health products were designed with bed-transfer safety in mind. We also designed the perfect shower entry and exit tools to keep seniors safe and able to live independently.

Step2Tub is designed to reduce the risk of falling when stepping in and out of the bathtub. 

Step2Bed: Our standard Step2Bed is designed to reduce the risk of falling during bed transfers. It features a wide, stable step platform, secure handrails for support, interchangeable rails (left or right), and built-in lighting for nighttime safety.

Step2Bed mini: Our mini version is the perfect solution for apartments and small spaces. It features the same stable step platform, just in a more compact design. Includes a secure support rail for balance and adjustable height for proper alignment.

Step2Bed Deluxe: The Step2Bed Deluxe includes all the features of our regular Step2Bed, plus a cane holder clip, a foam pad for added step comfort, glow-in-the-dark rubber leg tips, and a mesh pouch for easy bedside storage, keeping your essentials within easy reach.

Step2Health is committed to providing the best tools for safe transfers to help seniors stay independent and live safely in their homes.

Our innovative mobility and safety solutions are designed to help seniors and individuals with limited mobility maintain their independence.

All our products focus on fall prevention, ease of movement, and daily support, all packaged in a thoughtful design that allows for practical functionality.

Shop Step2Health products today for the latest in home safety.