Written by:
Arthi T
It takes a child one year to acquire independent movement and ten years to acquire independent mobility.
An old person can lose both in a day.
Falls can be a significant concern, especially for the elderly population. In India, where the number of senior citizens is steadily increasing, fall prevention has become a crucial aspect of healthcare. Falls and fall-related injuries negatively impact their functional independence and quality of life. These incidents are linked to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Creating a safe living environment for seniors involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, we can help our loved ones enjoy a secure and happy life in their golden years.
Essential steps to creating a safe living environment for seniors
Home assessment for hazards
Identify tripping hazards such as loose rugs and cluttered walkways.
Make modifications like installing handrails or grab bars in bathrooms.
Ensure proper lighting throughout the house to prevent accidents.
Fall prevention practices
Educate seniors on safe habits to reduce fall risks, such as:
Avoiding sudden movements when getting out of bed.
Turning to one side before sitting up.
Sitting on the bed for a few moments before walking to the bathroom.
Medication management
Educate seniors on safe habits to reduce fall risks, such as:
Set up a system to organize and remind seniors of their medication schedules.
Prevent missed doses and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Accessibility enhancements
Install ramps or stairlifts for seniors with mobility issues.
Make home navigation easier and safer.
Lifestyle modifications
Regularly declutter living spaces.
Install grab bars in bathrooms and stairways.
Improve lighting conditions.
Use anti-skid floor tiles in bathrooms and kitchens.
Opt for non-slip mats to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
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Emotional support
Maintain open communication with seniors.
Stay updated on their daily lives and living conditions.
Address concerns promptly to ensure their well-being.
Floor safety tips
Eliminate loose carpets and rugs
Repair any frayed carpets and secure loose edges with tape
Reduce clutter
Keep living spaces open by removing clutter and securing loose wires.
Improve lighting and clear pathways
Ensure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well-lit and free of obstructions like books or shoes.
Utilize rails and banisters
Always use handrails and banisters when navigating stairs. Avoid placing scatter rugs at stair entrances or exits.
Install accessible light switches
Install light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs. Consider using switches that glow in the dark.
Wear appropriate footwear
Recommend non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber soles or well-fitted, flat, thin-soled shoes.
Consider motion-detecting lights
Suggest installing motion-detecting lights in bathrooms and other frequently used rooms.
Consider motion-detecting lights
Suggest installing motion-detecting lights in bathrooms and other frequently used rooms.
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Floor safety tips
Keep a lamp within reach
Place a lamp near the bed for easy access.
Position a phone nearby
Ensure the phone is close to the bed for convenience.
Ensure the bed height is appropriate
Make sure the bed is not too high for easy access.
Install sturdy bed rails
Use sturdy bed rails to prevent falls and assist with getting up. Ensure they are securely installed.
Use a night light
Install a night-light so seniors can see clearly when they get up at night.
Use a night light
Install a night-light so seniors can see clearly when they get up at night.
Bathroom safety tips
Prevent slippery floor
Ensure the bathroom floor is never slippery, day or night.
Use non-slip mats or strips
Place a non-slip rubber mat or self-adhesive strips on the floor.
Install grab bars
Place grab bars near the bathtub and toilet for support.
Consider a bathing chair
Depending on the bathroom size, use a bathing chair to help prevent falls while bathing.
Use a hand-held shower head
Install a hand-held shower head for easier and safer bathing.
Use a hand-held shower head
Install a hand-held shower head for easier and safer bathing.
Store frequently used items on lower shelves
Keep items you use regularly at waist level.
Avoid high cabinet storage
Do not stack groceries and food items in high cabinets.
Use a safe step stool
Always use a step stool with a handle for support, never a chair.
Use a safe step stool
Always use a step stool with a handle for support, never a chair.
How Milaap can help
Falls are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. They can result in bony injuries like fracture of hip, spine, wrist, ankle or traumatic brain injuries (head injuries), which need hospitalization and in most cases surgical intervention which adds to the health cost.
Milaap is here to help you support your loved ones in times of need. Whether it’s for emergency medical treatment, surgeries, or rehabilitation, Milaap makes it easy to raise funds quickly and effectively. Ensure that your elderly family members receive the best care possible without financial stress. Start a fundraiser on Milaap today!
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
