Fall Prevention Tips from Right at Home Telford

How Can I Prevent Falls at Home?

There are many ways you can make your home safer and prevent falls. Here are some tips from Right at Home Telford to prevent falls at home:

Improve Visibility and Lighting in the Home to Prevent Falls

Poor lighting throughout the home can make it difficult to see fall hazards, and a lack of visibility can worsen your balance. To improve visibility at home, consider:

• Adding additional lighting throughout the home, particularly in darker rooms.
• Using high wattage light bulbs and replacing yellow light bulbs with white light bulbs.
• Considering installing motion-sensor lights on stairs, steps, and outside your house.
• Increasing stairway lighting to reduce any shadows that may cause visual confusion.

Reduce Clutter and Fall Hazards Within Your Home

Clutter can make it difficult to navigate your home and can increase the chance of falling. To reduce clutter and improve organization throughout your house, you can:

• Keep items that are not used often in wardrobes or cupboards.
• Clearly label storage boxes.
• Ensure curtains aren't too long and don't trail on the floor.
• Rearrange cupboards, wardrobes, and cabinets into a system that makes sense to your daily routine. For example, keep cereals and dry foods that you may eat often in a cupboard with easy access.
• Remove clutter and other obstacles from regularly used pathways throughout the home.
• Create wide, straight, and clear paths with no clutter.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Place a water absorbent, non-skid mat in front of sinks, baths, and showers.

Take Care When You Get Up From Chairs and Out of Bed

Going from a relaxed position to moving around quickly can make you lightheaded. Your muscles can also seize up as you've been stationary, so sometimes it is initially harder to move. When getting out of bed or up from chairs:

• Take your time. Rushing could cause a head rush, make you dizzy, and therefore more likely to fall.
• Consider chairs or sofas that offer more support and stability, including sturdy armrests.
• Keep a walking stick close by and use it to assist you as you get up.
• Avoid excess cushions, pillows, and throws on the bed that could fall onto the floor at night.
• Keep clutter away from side tables in case you need to use them for extra support when standing.
• Put your bedside lamp on before standing up to provide extra visibility.

Wear Suitable, Well-Fitting Clothes and Footwear

The type of clothing and shoes you wear may be increasing your risk of falling. To avoid this:

• Don't wear loose-fitting, trailing, or flowing clothes that may trip you up. Use your local Telford tailors to alter any clothing that may be too long.
• Avoid long chains, jewellery, necklaces, or scarves that could get caught on items.
• Choose socks with rubber grips on the soles.
• Invest in a shoe horn to make putting shoes on easier.
• Ensure shoes fit well and provide good, sufficient, and efficient grip.
• 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.
• Avoid walking around the house without any slippers on.
• Choose slippers with good grip on the soles, backs, and velcro fastenings.
• Maintain good foot health by trimming toenails regularly.
• Visit your local chiropodist to ensure your feet remain in good health.

Make Your Home as Easy to Move Around As Possible

As you move around the house, there may be many fall hazards. To avoid tripping on objects, carpets, and steps:

• Create wide, straight, and clear paths with no clutter.
• Move all regularly used items to eye level where possible and practical.
• Repair faulty steps and any carpets or coverings.
• Install carpets or non-slip rubber threads. They are less slippery than laminate or bare steps.

How Can Right at Home Telford Help You Prevent Falls?

At Right at Home Telford, we are dedicated to keeping our Clients safe and independent in their own homes. Here are some ways we can help you prevent falls:

• Home Safety Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive home environment assessment to identify potential fall hazards throughout your living space. We'll provide recommendations for modifications or adaptations that can significantly reduce your risk of falling.

• Fall Prevention Strategies: We can share personalised fall prevention tips and strategies tailored to your specific needs and abilities. This may include recommendations for improving lighting, reducing clutter, and using assistive devices like grab bars or walking sticks.

• Exercise Support: As mentioned earlier, we actively support Telford & Wrekin's Fit4All program, which offers exercise classes specifically designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. We can help you learn more about these classes and even assist with transportation or pre/post-exercise routines.

• Companionship and Support: Our compassionate CareGivers can provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks, reducing your risk of falls by helping you navigate your home safely and confidently.

In addition to the above, we can also provide:

• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other daily activities.

• Medication Management: Reminders to take medications and ensuring medications are taken correctly.

• Light Housekeeping: Assistance with tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and laundry.

• Meal Preparation: Preparing nutritious meals that support overall health and well-being.