Get a copy of this checklist to have on hand while you help make your loved one safer.
The shorter, colder days can lead to an increased chance of the person you love taking a fall, which could have a dramatic impact on their life. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ‘Falls are the single biggest cause of accidental injuries in the home, and sadly the largest cause of accidental death among over-65s in the UK.’
There are many things that could be behind a fall. It could be caused by:
Falls don’t have to happen though, many are preventable with just a few tweaks to home life to make things a little safer. Our Home Fall Hazards Checklist was written in conjunction with our team of Occupational Therapists. It includes tips and advice to help you work out the fall risk of someone you care for and suggests ways in which you can support them.
Removing trip hazards and clutter from their floors is an easy way to help reduce their falling risk.
Having the right mobility equipment can be a great way to help someone get around with more ease, but problems can arise if their environment isn’t set up properly to accommodate it.
Is it bright enough for them to see where they’re going once the sun has gone down and the curtains or blinds are closed?
We all know that movement and exercise are good for us, and this remains true when it comes to reducing a person’s fall risk.
It’s advised that we get our eyes tested at least once every two years (more if recommended by the optician). Difficulties with their vision could greatly increase their risk of falling as they’re unable to see potential hazards around them.
This could be a sign of an undiagnosed medical condition or a potential issue with their medication.
If they are, this could leave them liable to fall if they get tired. There are things that can be done to help support them as they go about their day.
Carrying things, such as hot drinks or food, from one room to another may feel a little challenging if they’re at all unsteady on their feet. It may leave them worried about dropping things and making a mess.
The combination of tiredness and little to no light could increase their risk of falling and hurting themselves.
Sometimes, these anxieties can lead them to become more prone to falling as their worries make them less likely to move regularly. It can be difficult to work through these anxieties, but there are things available that could help.
If you’re at all concerned and think that your loved one may be at a high risk of falling, gently encourage them to speak to their GP for support and to give them a check over. This could help to highlight issues so they can be tackled before becoming a problem.
Here at Healthcare Pro, we offer a Home Living Consultation Service where a qualified Occupational Therapist will help to identify ways to help the person you care for remain safe and independent at home for longer. You can find out more about this service here.
Get a copy of this checklist to have on hand while you help make your loved one safer.
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