Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year? Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent falls. Whether you live alone or with others, making your living environment comfortable and clutter-free is essential. If you find yourself stumbling or tripping over objects in your path, you should step back and look at each room individually to find ways to minimize your risk of falling. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Keep a Clear Walking Path

When walking throughout your home, remove any potential trip hazards, such as miscellaneous papers, books, shoes, or other random objects that may inhibit your ability to move freely. You can also move furniture around to ensure your path is clear in every room. If you have throw rugs on the floor, remove them or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so they won’t slip under your feet. For any wires or cords in your way, coil them up or tape them close to the wall.

Check out the Kitchen

Like many of us, you may store things high on shelves, putting you at risk of falling. Consider reevaluating your cabinets to store your most frequently used items on lower shelves. You may still need to keep some things higher up, but be sure to have a stable step stool easily accessible when you need to reach high above your head.

Take a Long Look at Your Bedroom

Notice the placement of your bed. Do you need help navigating the path between your bed and your bathroom? If so, look at what may affect your ability to reach the toilet at night safely. Especially if you frequently wake in the night for trips to the restroom, ensure you have a light next to the bed that is easy to reach. Place a lamp next to the bed or rearrange your furniture to be nearer to a light switch. Consider placing a nightlight close to your bed or in the bathroom.

Ensure Your Bathroom is Accessible

You may find getting into and out of the tub or shower challenging. However, installing grab bars near the tub or shower can help you maintain independence. If the bathtub or shower floor is slippery, place a non-slip rubber mat with self-stick strips on the floor to prevent unnecessary falls. Consider placing grab bars near the toilet so you can easily move around your bathroom without assistance.

Evaluate Stairs Inside and Out

Like many, your stair casing may be a catch-all for shoes, books, or other objects. However, it may surprise you that sometimes the slightest bit of debris can wreak the most havoc on your ability to navigate up and down safely. Keeping your stairs free from miscellaneous items that can cause undue harm is an excellent way to reduce your risk of injury. Do you have broken or uneven steps? If so, ask a friend or family member to help you make needed repairs. Depending on the level of instability, consider hiring a contractor to help make your stairs as safe as possible. In addition to removing clutter and debris, be sure your stair casing is well-lit with a switch at the bottom and top of the stairs.

Check the Handrails

Whether your steps are inside or outside the house, ensure you have adequate, sturdy handrails. If stairs or railings are loose or broken, consider making necessary repairs as quickly as possible. For optimal safety inside and outside your living space, keep a close eye on any items that may cause instability in your ability to move freely.

Additional Recommendations for Fall Prevention by the CDC

Prevention is the best medicine, as they say, so it’s important to take every possible measure to prevent accidental injury due to falls. Especially as you age, talking with your doctor about your risks can help set in place preventative measures that can keep you safe and living independently for as long as possible. Your doctor may help you reduce your risk of injury by:

• Modifying medications with unwanted side effects
• Providing you with additional supplements like Vitamin D
• Encouraging you to perform exercises designed to improve strength and balance
• Checking your vision for any impairments that could cause you to trip or fall

A great way to prevent falls inside and outside your home is by ensuring your living space is free of obstacles and debris. If you need assistance keeping your home organized and free from clutter, consider hiring a home care professional who can help you with various activities of daily living.