Fall Prevention: How to Keep Your Loved One from Falling

By Jim Smeaton
Falls are common accidents that seniors experience.  Unfortunately, falling can result in a wide variety of injuries, which can range from mild to fatal in nature.  For this reason, senior care providers must uphold the important responsibility of preventing such falls from taking place.  While accidents are not always avoidable, there are certain measures that you can take to minimize the chances of your loved one sustaining injuries due to a fall.

1. Keep your senior's home clean and free of clutter.  Oftentimes, items that have been misplaced or left on the floor can cause seniors to trip and fall.  This is particularly true if clutter tends to build up in walkways.  Each day, do a quick run through of the house and put away any and all items that are out of place.  This will make it easier to keep the home clean and prevent accidents from occurring.


2. Repair any uneven flooring.  Cracked tiles, warped hardwoods, and ripped or loose carpets should be fixed immediately, as they can cause your senior to trip and fall.  Additionally, see to it that all rugs lie flat to the floor and have slip resistant backing.  If your senior's home contains any throw rugs, either remove them or secure them to the floor using double-sided tape.


3. Ensure that your senior's home has adequate lighting, particularly in the hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and stairwells.  Additionally, install handrails if they are lacking along the stairs of your elderly loved one's home.


4. Have your senior's vision checked annually.  Poor vision often leads to falls, so the right glasses or contact lenses may prevent accidental falls and associated injuries.


5. Reroute any cords that may pose a hazard to your senior.  Frequently, due to furniture arrangements or the location of electrical outlets, wires and cords are run across walkways.  Even if secured with tape or covered, these are obstacles that may cause your senior to fall. Reroute these cords so that they do not obstruct the walkway.  This may require running them overhead or moving furniture.


6. Remember that safe clothing is part of a safe environment.  Make sure that your loved one wears slippers or shoes with non-skid soles—not just socks, which can be slippery.  Additionally, make sure that their pants, skirts, and other articles of clothing are properly hemmed and not too loose.


7. Make sure that your senior has the necessary resources in terms of mobility.  Seniors who are at risk of falling may find it easier to avoid an accident with the use of a cane or walker.  Make sure that the equipment your senior uses is the right size and in good repair.


8. Improve the safety of the bathroom by installing grab bars, bath chairs, and non-skid mats.

By following these tips, you can help your senior avoid the pain that a fall can cause.  These suggestions will help you create a secure environment in which your elderly loved one can continue aging in place safely.


Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.