According to the Office for National Statistics, between 2008 and 2016 there was a 177% increase in deaths from falls among men aged 85 and over. For women, there was an increase of 72%.
The danger of having a fall at home should not be underestimated, especially for elderly people who may not be able to recover or call for help. It’s vital to reduce the risk of falls as much as possible, and as with most things in life prevention is often better than cure. With this in mind here are 5 tips on how to improve safety around the house.
- Keep rooms clean and decluttered. Reduced mobility and impaired eyesight will make many things in the house a tripping hazard. Cables and objects like shoes or clothes can be hazardous if they’re in the way, and rugs can be slippery. Look around to make sure there are as few hazards as possible, utilise anti-slip mats, and get help if needed to clear up.
- Don’t rush. Taking more time to move about can reduce the risk of falls, particularly when it comes to walking up or down the stairs. At night, take extra care in the dark and keep a torch by the bed.
- Get help with difficult tasks. Whether it’s reaching for a high shelf or stepping out of a bathtub, things which were previously easy to do will become more difficult with age. Trying to do too much can cause an accident, so those who are at risk of injury from a fall should consider getting help around the house.
- Regular exercise. Exercise is a great way of maintaining health and balance. Going for walks can be a good start, but taking part in supervised activities like dancing or swimming can be a great way to stay healthy. Those who are less mobile should ask their GP for advice on home exercises.
- Check side effects of prescriptions. Many medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness, so always be aware of potential side effects. For those who enjoy drinking alcohol, it’s important to be aware of how this could interact with other medication, as well as staying aware of the effects of alcohol in general.
Getting help to stay safe
If you’re concerned about the risk of falling at home, consider contacting Better Healthcare Services. Our carers can make visits to your home to carry out everyday tasks and make sure everything is in order. You can help prevent falls by getting assistance with tasks like:
- Personal care
- Washing and dressing
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Housework
- Outings and walks
If a previous fall left you with an injury or simply a lack of confidence, our carers can help you get around again. It’s normal to stress about having another fall, but with professional help at hand you need not worry. For those who need 24/7 assistance, Better Healthcare Services also offer live-in care.
To get home care from people who are passionate about the work they do, call Better Healthcare Services today on 0800 668 1234. Alternatively get in touch with your local office directly:
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Brighton
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Colchester
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Peterborough