Age In Place Safely: Tips For Preventing Falls - Part 1

About one third of the elder population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually, according to Learn Not To Fall.  As alarming as they are, these documented statistics fall short of the actual number since many incidents are unreported by seniors and unrecognized by family members or caregivers.

More than three-quarters of falls take place either inside or in close proximity to the home. 

Here are some simple modification tips and repairs that can be made to any home to help age in place safely.

Outdoors

• Repair cracks and abrupt edges of sidewalks and driveways.
• Install handrails on stairs and steps.
• Remove high doorway thresholds.
• Trim shrubbery along the pathway to the home.
• Keep walk areas clear of clutter, rocks and tools.
• Keep walk areas clear of snow and ice.
• Install adequate lighting by doorways and along walkways leading to doors.

All Living Spaces

• Use a change in color to denote changes in surface types or levels.
• Secure rugs with nonskid tape as well as carpet edges.
• Avoid throw rugs.
• Remove over-sized furniture and objects.
• Have at least one phone extension in each level of the home and post emergency numbers at each phone.
• Add electrical outlets.
• Reduce clutter.
• Check lighting for adequate illumination and glare control.
• Maintain nightlights or motion-sensitive lighting throughout the home.
• Use contrast in paint, furniture and carpet colors.
• Install electronic emergency response system if needed.

There are simple tips and tricks to make any dwelling safer for aging in place.  About half (53%) of the older adults who are discharged for fall-related hip fractures will experience another fall with in six months. Don't let a fall be your motivation to make change... make small changes before a fall happens!

For more information on aging in place safely: