Modify Your Home to Reduce Elder Adult Falls

With the much-anticipated increase in older adults in our population, concerns have been raised about the capacity of nursing homes, senior living facilities, and long term care facilities to deal with the ever-increasing number of elderly. Because the majority of older adults would rather stay in their homes, more attention has been directed at home modifications in an effort to reduce potential hazards, and simplify the living situation without sacrificing an individual’s independence.

A number of modifications can be made in an effort to reduce falls, which are a serious public health problem. In the United States, one of every three persons over age 65 falls each year and two-thirds of those who fall do so again within six months. Among people age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and serious injuries. About 9,600 older adults died in 1998 from fall-related injuries. Among seniors with osteoporosis, falls can cause devastating injuries such as hip fractures; 75%–80% of hip fractures are sustained by women. Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.

Easy modifications you can do yourself

• Remove all small area rugs, thick doormats, and bathroom rugs.

• In the bathroom install grab bars in the shower or bathtub area and on both sides of the toilet, place anti-slip rubber decals in the bathtub or shower, install a shower chair if the elderly individual is unsteady on their feet and a wand shower head so water can be brought down to their level. Consideration should be given to carpeting the bathroom to add warmth and provide a sense of security for the elderly individual.

• Stairs should be well lit (add lighting where necessary), and handrails should be installed on both sides of the stairs where possible. Stairs should always be free of any obstacles and the material that covers the stairs should not be slippery. Make certain switches for stair lighting are readily accessible at both the top and bottom of the stairs.

• Thresholds should be removed throughout the home.

• Hallways should be free of furniture or clutter, well lit, and be equipped with handrails.

• Kitchens should not have highly polished or waxed floors, and should be free of appliance cords that may get in the way. Make certain all items are within easy reach to avoid the possibility the elderly individual may have to stand on something to access an item.

• Living and dining areas should be free of electrical cords or telephone cords that could cause a fall. Make certain chairs and couches are easy to get in and out of, and remove casters wheels from furniture.

• Bedrooms should have a bedside light with a switch that is easy to turn on and off, a telephone that is readily accessible from the bed, a firm chair to use for dressing or to sit.

Consider assistive technology to help monitor the home

Another comprehensive option is to install sensor-technology, like WellAWARE, that will keep you apprised on what is going inside the house. While the sensors will not prevent falls, they will provide a level of security to the elder resident, and can also alert nurses and others monitoring the house in the event of a fall.

If you would like more information on falls among older adults, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an excellent Web site that can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html

Randall Ryder practices consumer rights law in Minnesota and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help.

Tagged as: caregiver, caregiving, disability, fall, falls, home modification, independent living, living at home, physical limitations, WellAWARE