BEDROOM
Rugs – It’s best to remove the rugs from the bedroom as they create a tripping hazard. By removing them, chances for fall/injury can be greatly reduced.
Clutter – Remove clutter from the room, items such as clothes and furniture. Clothes or any loose items should not be on the floor. Donate old clothes that are not worn anymore. Do not store bulky items such as bulky sweaters or comforters in hard to reach areas such as higher shelves.
Walkways should be free from clutter. There should be space in the room to freely move around. By removing unused items from the room, there can be more space created in the room.
Lighting – Bedroom is one of the darkest places in the house because it’s used for sleeping. Poor lighting may cause seniors to trip or fall. Night lamps, large bulbs or automated night lights can improve room’s visibility. The same is true for hallways and stairs, these places must have enough visibility to reduce chances of fall in seniors.
Loose Cords – Mobile phones, tablets and laptops are commonly found in every household. The bedroom particularly houses majority of charging cables for the devices. It is important to not let them be tangled and loose in the bedroom since it can be a reason for tripping and falling. Make sure the cords are not in the path of walking in the room. Move the furniture if needs to be to be closer to the power outlets or use extension cords and power boards and run them behind the furnishings.
Bed Height – If your feet can touch the ground when sitting on the bed, then there is no need to adjust the bed height. If the bed is too high, consider adding a small step near the bed to get in and out safely otherwise it could be a reason for a fall/injury.
BATHROOM
Did you know that 69% of falls occur in the bathroom. Tiles along with water and condensation create one of the most slipperiest surfaces. Fortunately there are a few things we can do to reduce the chances of fall in the bathroom.
Rubber Mat – This is a must inside every senior’s shower or tub. Major retailers have a lot of selection for rubber mats. Non-stick decals also work.
Place mats when exiting the tub or shower for all the excess water on the feet to get absorbed before walking away.
Toilet & Shower Seat – Adding a raised toilet seat will make life easier for seniors. Choose the one that has removable arms. Also if it’s difficult for senior to stand longer while in shower, consider adding a shower seat.
Grab Bars – Consider adding grab bars in the shower, close to the toilet or any other place where it’s needed. It will provide additional support in case of a fall.
Bath Tub Height – Another important thing to note is the bath tub height. If getting in and out of the tub is getting difficult, place a small step close to the tub so the senior can enter and exit the tub safely.
If money is a not a concern, walk-in tub is a great option for seniors and elderly.
Water Temperature – Make sure hot and cold water are labeled correctly.
