101 Mobility

Infographic: How to Avoid Household Falls (a Quick Guide)

July 14, 2015
An elderly man with white hair and a beard is falling backward, having dropped his cane. He is wearing glasses, a red jacket, blue shirt, and purple pants.

Concerned about yourself or a loved one falling at home? Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors, and yet they remain largely preventable. So why aren’t we preventing them? Check out our guide below for a few tips on how to reduce the chance of an accident.

How to AVOID HOUSEHOLD FALLS A QUICK GUIDE

So let’s go through each step:

  1. By keeping your home clean, you eliminate the risk of tripping over a spill or an item left out on the floor.

  2. Be sure to wear shoes throughout your home for added grip. Many people enjoy wearing socks or bedroom slippers, but they don’t provide the much-needed traction on the floor.

  3. Having adequate lighting in the home is important so that you can see where you are going, as well as see any obstacles that may be in your way.

  4. If you have a staircase, consider purchasing a stairlift for your home. They typically cost $3,000 – $5,000, which is about a month’s pay at an assisted living facility.

  5. Clothes that drag or bunch up on the ground are more likely to make your trip. Consider wearing clothing that is more fitted for around the house.

  6. Struggle to get around in your bathroom? Grab bars (and other assistive living devices) are great additions for getting around any bath area.

Can you think of anything else to add to the list? Leave us a comment below with your tip on how to avoid a fall at home!