3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Falling in the Home | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

When we’re young and learning how to walk, we fall a lot. But interestingly enough, when we’re older, our risk of falling increases again.

Why is that? Well, it happens for a number of reasons. As we age, our mobility often decreases and our balance is diminished. Older adults also often take large numbers of medications, some of which can cause unsteadiness.

Falling is a real issue among older adults, affecting nearly one in three seniors each year and often leading to injuries. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to share some tips on how you can make your home more fall-proof as you age.

Fall-Proofing Your Home

More of us are staying in our homes as we get older, rather than going into a nursing home. That brings a unique set of challenges and fall risks, but you can take steps to limit the risk:

Clear the clutter. Clutter can have a negative impact on our mood, but did you know it also presents a physical challenge? Having clutter in the home, especially on the floor, makes it more difficult to navigate the space. This is a fall hazard, so make sure to regularly clear out the space of unnecessary items and take special care to clean up the floor.

Light it up. Older adults also often deal with diminished eyesight, so it’s vitally important to ensure everything is well-lit. Do a walk-through of the entire home and outdoor space, then ensure that there are lights installed throughout. Use bright bulbs to ensure it’s easy to see, especially on walkways and stairs.

Install handrails. Limited mobility and impaired balance can be especially dangerous in high-risk areas like the stairs and bathroom. Install a handrail on both sides of every set of stairs, including stairs leading to the outdoors. You’ll also want to install handrails and grab bars in spaces like the shower and near the toilet to make getting in and out (or up and down) easier.

Suffered a fall-related injury and need to have it checked out? Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis for a diagnosis and treatment plan to help get you back on your feet.