Our homes fulfill many needs for us. Comfort and a place for self-expression are vital for our well-being. Home gives a feeling of independence and should be a place where we are safe from accidents and injuries.
Home accidents are a major source of injuries and can cause death. Older persons, whose bones are often less dense and more brittle, are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from home accidents. A simple fall that results in a broken bone can become a serious, disabling injury that limits one’s independence. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people 65 and older. However, falls are not a normal part of aging.
As we age, our senses of sight, touch, hearing, and smell tend to decline. Our physical abilities are reduced, and certain tasks such as stretching, lifting, and bending become more difficult. In addition, we experience a slowing of judgment and reaction time, resulting in slower response rates. These normal changes in perception, physical abilities, and judgment makes us more prone to accidents. Simple precautions and adjustments can help ensure a safe, accident-free home.
Many falls can be prevented. With a few changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Follow these four simple tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make your home safer.
Have your healthcare provider review your medicines
As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and nerve health.
Exercise to improve your balance and strength
Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
Have your eyes and feet checked
Once a year, check with your eye doctor, and update your eyeglasses, if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask your healthcare provider whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.
Make your home safer
Use the University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences Extension home safety checklist as you go through your home. Mark those items or behaviors that you already have. If there are items that you do not check, then your home is not as safe as it could be. By improving those items not marked, you can make your home a safer and more comfortable place to live.
Making some minor household modifications and behavior changes can reduce the likelihood of trips and falls. Safety in your home begins with identifying problems and removing hazards, reducing the potential for falls.
This article originally appeared in the Healthy Indoor Environments Newsletter.