Mobility Equipment Supplies

When we age, our bodies lose their strength and a house can, over time, become a dangerous place use this risk assessment safety guide to keep your elderly loved ones safe.

Improve indoor safety: even though you can’t prevent every fall, you can help reduce risk factors.

Here are a few ways to improve safety:

• Keep floors clear of clutter to avoid falls. The easier it is to move around, the less likely a person is to fall. Keep things within an easy arm’s reach.
• Well lit rooms make it easy to see whether the floor is clear of obstacles. Be sure to have flashlights on hand in case the power goes out.
• Safety railings: Installing grab bars and railings around the house can improve safety. Places that should have railings would include the bathtub and beside the toilet. Installing bed railings will stop your loved ones from falling out of bed.
• Non-slip mats: Placing non-slip mats under rugs, on stairs, and in bathtubs will improve traction.

Improving outdoor safety

It’s also important to be safe outside, but it’s not as easy to make modifications. If you hold your loved one’s arm while walking, you will be helping to ensure their safety. Sprinkle sand or salt on icy roads and sidewalks to prevent falls on slippery surfaces. A cane can help with navigation on uneven ground or other devices may be needed such as a walker.

What should be done if someone falls?

Despite all precautions, accidents occur; it is impossible to prevent all falls. If something does happen, keep calm.

Don’t panic, staying calm will keep your loved one calm. If they cannot get up, keep them warm by placing a blanket over them until the ambulance arrives.

It’s not always possible to prevent every accident or fall. Fortunately, most of these mishaps can be prevented. Home is where people spend most of their time, so it’s a key place to start with this risk assessment safety guide for your elderly loved ones.