01 July 2020
Our risk of experiencing a fall at home can increase as we age, so it’s important to be aware of the steps you can take to ensure a safer home environment.
From meeting your mobility needs with the right supportive equipment, to optimising the position of your furniture at home, we explore some of the best safety measures that can help you stay on your feet.
If you find it difficult to balance, or need some support when walking, you may want to consider the benefits a mobility aid can offer. Choosing the right aid for your individual needs can make a world of difference to your independence and reduce the risk of experiencing a fall, whether you’re at home or out and about. If you are experiencing specific difficulties with your mobility, your GP may refer you to a physiotherapist who can assess your needs and supply, or advise, on appropriate walking aids.
If you spend a lot of time indoors, a walking frame can be an invaluable support when moving around the house. Many walking frames feature four non-slip ferrules to improve grip and are height adjustable to ensure they give maximum support and comfort.
Rollators are another popular mobility aid that can often be used indoors and outdoors. Many styles of rollator, including the Freestyle Three Wheel Rollator will feature durable wheels with handles and brakes , enabling you to steer and easily manoeuvre around different spaces.
One way to reduce the risk of falls at home is to assess your surroundings, taking into account any furniture or other objects which could be a trip or slip hazard. You may need to rearrange the layout of different rooms to remove obstructions and potentially create space to use a mobility aid safely throughout your home. Other objects, such as rugs could cause you to trip, so you may need to consider whether they need to be removed.
Having sufficient lighting around the home will ensure you can see where you’re going and help to reduce the chance of falling over any objects that you can’t see. In some cases a sensor light may be ideal, such as in the bedroom if you’re worried about reaching the light switch or a lamp in the dark.
If you find yourself needing frequent breaks to sit down when completing standing tasks, such as the washing up or showering, you may benefit from investing in suitable seats and chairs around the home. Taking a seat during these tasks can help to reduce the risk of falls from overexertion or overbalancing, promoting safety and comfort in your day-to-day routine.
A perching stool can be used in different areas around the home, including the bathroom or kitchen, and is suitable for some people to sit in a perched position when doing daily tasks.
Staying hydrated has a great impact on our overall wellbeing and can help to prevent dizziness that can increase the risk of experiencing a fall. Hydration is especially important during the summer months when we feel the effects of hot weather, but it can be more difficult for some people to have regular access to a drink.
The right drinking aid can help more people to comfortably and independently get the fluids they need and prevent the risk of dehydration. The Hydrant water bottle is an effective drinking aid that features a drinking tube and clothes clip so it can be attached close to someone’s mouth to provide regular hydration if they spend a long period of time in bed or a chair. Please remember that the user will need to be able to activate the bite valve to allow the liquid to flow.
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