Home. It’s the one place we should feel safe. But accidents can happen even at home. It is possible to slip or fall even while doing simple routine activities.
As we age, trips, slips, and falls can have a bigger impact on us. Therefore, it becomes more important than ever to take care and be more cautious, even in our own homes.
But what can be done to ensure that you’re safety?
In this article, we’ll share some tips for staying safe in your own home as you age.
Don’t Rush
Accidents often occur when you’re rushing around. For instance, many accidents happen when rushing to answer a ringing phone. We’re afraid we’ll miss the call or the caller will hang-up before we get there. It is not uncommon for a person to slip while trying to reach the phone.
Tip: Buy a cordless phone. That way, you can keep the phone with you and not have to rush to answer it.
Have a Personal Alarm System
Sometimes accidents do happen. When they do, you need to be able to call out for help. This is where personal alarms come in handy.
Tip: A personal alarm, that you have with you at all times, will give you the peace of mind that you need. If there is an accident in your home, you’ll be able to notify the emergency services from wherever you are.
Make Sure Your Home is Well Lit
Many trips and falls occur because of dim lighting. There are plenty of trip hazards in most homes, such as rugs and furniture legs which can cause you to trip.
Tip: Use bright light bulbs and avoid going into rooms without adequate lighting.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Slips and trips can be avoided if you wear the right footwear.
Tip: Wear non-slip footwear especially if your rooms have laminate flooring, tiles, or linoleum.
Use a Walker or a Stick
If you need to use a walker or a walking stick for support, do it. Even at home. Having the extra support from your walker or stick could mean the difference between having an accident or not.
Tip: Don’t rely on being able to hold onto furniture around your home. You could still lose your balance or knock into the furniture.
Use the Banister When Ascending or Descending the Stairs
When climbing up or down the stairs, make sure that you hold onto the handrail.
Tip: If you are particularly uneasy on your feet, you may wish to consider having a chairlift fitted.
Stay Active
Exercising regularly will help you to stay fit and healthy. This will mean that your joints and muscles will be more supple and you’ll be less prone to losing your balance.
Tip: Try and exercise as much as you can, even if the exercise is just taking a short walk or stretching. If at all possible, avoid sitting for long periods of time. Standing and moving about, even slowly will keep you fit longer.
Staying Safe in Your Own Home As You Age
There are many dangers even if your own home. Spotting these potential risks and taking measures to protect yourself will mean that you will be less likely to hurt yourself at home.
“Falls are leading cause of injury and death in older Americans.” Center for Disease Control & Prevention
The two that stand out for me: Use non-slip footwear and stay active.
I wear Skechers because of the arch support and because they have “cured” me of plantar fasciitis. I also regularly do Pilates via ZOOM, which keeps my aging muscles toned and body in balance. Almost everyone in the class is younger than I, so it’s a pleasure to look at younger faces and try to keep up. Often, I modify the poses, so I don’t strain my body in the process. Good question!
It’s been so helpful to many of us to have so many opportunities for exercise and connection available on Zoom. I suspect that many will continue on even after the stay at home orders are lifted. Perfect for the homebound in general.