The Key to Aging at Home: Creating a Safe Environment

Stay At Home Longer And Prevent Accidents Before They Occur

Aging in place is the goal of most aging adults today, who would prefer to stay in their own homes, where they are most comfortable, near friends and family, and surrounded by good memories.

But homes can quickly become dangerous places for many older adults, especially homes that have fall hazards, steps and showers without handrails, and other potential problem areas. According to the CDC, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year.

Luckily, there are a variety of services available to assess homes and provide recommendations for making them safer and preventing falls. While seemingly simple, many of these fall remediation steps go unnoticed as individuals gradually age, lose mobility and experience problems with vision and balance.

Are you looking after an aging loved one and wondering about simple yet effective things you can do to prevent falls? Here are some easy recommendations that you can follow as well as simple recommendations and lifestyle changes that can help prevent falls:

• Clean up clutter around the home and especially on floors and on and around stairs
• Repair or remove tripping hazards like rotten floorboards or tall thresholds
• Install grab bars and handrails in key places, like showers, toilet areas, and stairs
• Avoid wearing loose clothing that can catch on things
• Make sure homes are sufficiently lit to illuminate all areas
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide adequate grip
• Install non-slip mats in key areas such as showers, kitchens, entryways, and elsewhere that floors can be slick
• Live on one level to avoid using stairs

The home health care experts at Knute Nelson can assess an individual’s home and identify fall and injury hazards as well as steps to take to remove those hazards. Call Knute Nelson today at (320) 335-8753 to schedule a home care assessment.

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