How to prevent elderly people from falling at home

Small precautions: avoid rugs, put a non-slip mat on when you get out of the shower or tub, and avoid smooth tile floors.

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Falls in older adults at home can be disastrous. Their reflexes are slower, their agility is reduced, and the margins for avoiding the worst possible fall are very limited. This can lead to falls with serious injuries, such as the classic femur fracture.
What can you do to avoid them? There are some preventative measures that concern, in order: home safety, the bathroom and kitchen, the sleeping area, and especially the bedroom.

Home safety

 
A home for elderly people can't be like any other. It must have certain safety measures to prevent accidents and falls.
  • Eliminate possible obstacles: Remove loose rugs, exposed electrical wires, and objects on the floor.
  • Adequate lighting: Make sure every room is well lit, especially hallways and stairways.
  • Safe stairs: Install handrails on both sides and apply anti-slip strips on the steps.
  • Non-slip floors: avoid smooth surfaces, prefer rough floors, or use non-slip mats (especially in the bathroom and kitchen).

Interventions in the bathroom and kitchen

 
The areas most at risk for falls in the elderly at home are the bathroom and kitchen. These are where some simple supports are needed.
 
  • Support handles: install them near the toilet, shower and bathtub.
  • Shower seat: useful for washing without standing.
  • Non-slip mats: in and out of the shower/tub.
  • Objects within reach: avoid having older people climb onto stools or chairs to get something.

Interventions in the bed area

You have to be especially careful here, as this is an area where you don't have full control of the situation.
  • Appropriate bed height: your feet should be flat on the ground when sitting on the edge.
  • Stable bed: avoid beds that are too low, too high or have unlocked wheels.
  • Side or handle: useful for getting up safely.
  • Bedside table nearby: to have your phone, glasses and light at hand.
  • Soft or night light: avoid moving in the dark.
  • Easily accessible switches: better if near the bed.
  • Motion sensors: they automatically turn on the light when you get up.
  • Free route: no obstacles between the bed and the door or bathroom.
  • Carpets fixed or removed: if present, they must be non-slip.
  • Dry and non-slip floor. 
  • Stable and non-slip slippers next to the bed.

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