Preventing Falls at Home with Avenues: A Guide for Older Adults
Everyone stumbles from time to time—but for older adults, a fall can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. The good news? Most falls, especially those that happen at home, are preventable with some simple adjustments. These reminders are perfect for October, when we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month.
Physical therapists are movement specialists who help improve your quality of life through hands-on treatment, education, and customized exercise plans. Physical therapy may be necessary following injury or surgery in order to properly recover. Brio Living Services is proud to employ physical therapists at several locations across the state, including Chelsea Retirement Community, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), and Porter Hills Home Health Care.
Avenues by Brio Living Services is a unique membership program that helps older adults remain in their home. Through its care coordination and focus on wellness and prevention, Avenues helps older adults choose their own path to aging. Physical therapy needs, among many other care needs, can be coordinated for any Avenues member if the need arises.
Since Avenues aims to assist older adults in remaining in their homes, Avenues has crafted a safety checklist to offer practical tips to make your home safer and reduce your risk of falling. Here are some home fall prevention tips:
- Make Floors, Hallways, and Stairs Safer
- Keep clear of clutter.
- Remove loose or curled-up rugs which may be a tripping hazard.
- Consider nonslip mats to hardwood or tile stairs.
- Ensure stair railings are secure.
- Regularly inspect stairs for damage and repair any loose steps.
- Improve Lighting
- Make sure all steps, entrances, and outdoor walkways are well lit.
- Motion-activated lights are ideal for outdoor areas.
- Use motion-sensitive nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairways to safely navigate the house at night.
- Make Bathrooms Safer
- Use thin, nonslip mats in high-risk areas like:
- The entrance and exit of the shower or bathtub.
- In front of the sink.
- On the floor of the tub or shower.
- Install secure grab bars:
- Inside the shower.
- At the entrance to the shower or tub.
- Next to the toilet.
- Wear the Right Footwear
- Choose sturdy, well-fitting shoes with good grip.
- Avoid slippers or loose-fitting footwear. Instead, try slip-resistant indoor sneakers that are easy to put on and stay in place.
Taking these preventive steps can go a long way in keeping your home safer and giving you greater confidence in your daily movements. To learn more about how Avenues by Brio Living Services can support your aging journey at home, visit our website.
