Preventing Falls at Home: Expert Advice from Right at Preston

As we grow older, the risk of falls increases due to the natural weakening of our muscles and bones. Unfortunately, falls can have a significant impact on the elderly, sometimes resulting in serious injuries. However, there are numerous strategies and adjustments that can be made to reduce this risk significantly. If you or a loved one has previously experienced a fall, implementing a few manageable changes can help rebuild confidence and prevent future incidents. At Right at Home Preston, we are dedicated to supporting our clients and their families in making their homes safer and preventing falls across the Preston and Ribble regions. If you're concerned about fall risks, consulting with a healthcare specialist is critical as they understand the importance of fall prevention and its impact on health and well-being.

Tips for Preventing Falls at Home:

Creating a safer home environment is a crucial step in preventing falls. Here are essential tips from Right at Home Preston to help safeguard your home:

1. Improve Visibility and Lighting: Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards, leading to falls. To enhance visibility:

• Install additional lighting, especially in darker areas of your home.
• Use high-wattage, white light bulbs for brighter illumination.
• Install motion-sensor lights in areas like stairs and outdoor spaces to eliminate shadows that can cause confusion.

2. Reduce Clutter and Hazards: Clutter can complicate navigation around your home, increasing the likelihood of falls. To create a safer space:

• Store infrequently used items in closets or cupboards.
• Label storage boxes clearly for better organization.
• Ensure curtains are of appropriate length to prevent tripping.
• Organize cupboards so everyday items are easily accessible.
• Maintain clear pathways by removing obstacles and decluttering regularly.
• Use water-absorbent, non-skid mats in front of sinks, baths, and showers to prevent slippery surfaces.

3. Careful Movement: Sudden movements can lead to disorientation and falls. When moving from sitting to standing:

• Take your time to prevent dizziness.
• Use supportive seating with sturdy armrests.
• Keep a walking stick handy to assist you as you rise.
• Avoid leaving excess items on the bed that could fall and create hazards.
• Illuminate your surroundings before moving to improve visibility.

4. Wear Suitable Clothing and Footwear: Inappropriate attire can increase fall risks. To stay safe:

• Don’t wear loose-fitting or trailing clothes that may trip you up - use your local tailors to alter any clothing that may/might/could be too long
• Avoid long chains,jewellery or scarfs that could get caught on items
• Choose socks with rubber grips on the sole
• Opt for shoes and slippers with non-slip soles and proper support.
• Choose shoes which provide room for thick socks in cold weather to keep your feet warm and allow for good circulation and feeling in your feet
• Regularly visit a chiropodist to maintain foot health.

5. Ensure Easy Home Navigation: Making your home easy to navigate can significantly reduce fall risks:

• Arrange your living space to allow clear, wide pathways.
• Secure rugs and repair any uneven flooring.
• Install handrails and non-slip surfaces where necessary.

Outdoor Safety and Healthy Living:

Maintaining a safe external environment and a healthy lifestyle are also vital in preventing falls:

• Outdoor Safety: Ensure the outside areas of your home are well-maintained:
• Apply textured paints to walkways to prevent slipping.
• Install adequate lighting and handrails around the property.
• Keep pathways clear of debris and obstacles.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

• It’s important to maintain a nutritious diet at any age, as the food and drink we consume directly effects on our physical and mental health
• Here are some minor changes you can make to your diet that can be directly linked to falls
• However, you can find lots more information about what a balanced diet looks like on our Healthy Eating page Healthy Eating page
• Review your Vitamin D levels - Being unable to get outside frequently can cause a Vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of exposure to sunlight. This can cause bones to become thin, brittle, weak or misshapen. Talk to your health professional or GP about Vitamin D supplements which can be a simple and effective solution
• Prevent dehydration - There are multiple of of reasons why the elderly may become dehydrated, such as forgetting to drink enough or not feeling thirsty. Keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day can be an easy reminder to drink more water. Try alternating your beverages between water, flavoured water or dilutes if you struggle to keep up with your water intake
• Increase your protein intake - Protein helps build muscle and keep muscles strong, but it can be difficult to get enough protein in your diet. Take a look at the NHS website which contains loads of information on how you can include more protein into a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly - engaging in regular physical activity helps improve your strength and balance. You don’t have to run a mile every day - try activities such as walking or some short exercise programmes such as 10 minute pilates or chair yoga. These are great exercises to improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falling

How Right at Home Preston Can Help:

At Right at Home Preston, our initial care assessments include fall risk evaluations to help enhance the safety of our clients' homes. Our caregivers are trained to support fall prevention strategies and assist with making homes safer. For comprehensive advice on preventing falls, download our Falls Prevention Guide.

If you would like more information about our services or to schedule a home care assessment, please contact Right at Home Preston today at 01772 619 106.