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Prevent falls are key, as it’s one of the biggest risks older adults face, especially at home; but live-in care can help you to prevent them.
According to the NHS, falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. Even more concerning, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in people over 75.
Having a live-in care professional in your home can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries, allowing you to stay safe while enjoying the comfort of your own home. Live-in care offers around the clock support tailored to your needs, helping you maintain your independence and reducing the likelihood of emergency hospital visits. Not only is a live-in care professional there to keep you safe, they can make great companions too!
We have put together some useful tips that we hope will be useful to prevent falls:
- Slow down – Falls often happen when people are rushing to answer the phone or door. If you’re worried about missing someone, you’ll move faster than you normally would. Instead of rushing, get a cordless phone that you can keep nearby or place a note on the front door, letting visitors know that you may take a few moments to get to them.
- Wear non-slip footwear – This is especially important on hard surfaces. If you don’t want to wear shoes inside, buy a good pair of slippers or house shoes. Choose soles with a good grip to avoid slips and trips.
- Make sure your floors are well lit and clear of obstruction. Common trip hazards include rugs and shoes left on the floor. You can tape rugs down to stop them from moving when you walk on them and it’s really important to put shoes away once removed.
- If you have stairs, use the bannister when moving up and down. We’d recommend installing a bannister on both sides of the stairs so you can hold on with both hands. Alternatively, if you’re struggling with the stairs in general, you may want to consider a stairlift.
- If you use a walking stick or frame, use it at all times – Don’t rely on holding on to furniture for balance as it may be unreliable and give way or move.
- Try to stay active – Regular exercise will help you to maintain your fitness, balance, and coordination. It needn’t be strenuous; a gentle walk can be hugely beneficial for your overall health and well-being. You can even exercise while sitting down at home.
Tips for bathroom safety
This room can often hold the biggest hazards for older people. The combination of hard, slippery surfaces and water can increase the risk of falls and injuries. With many trips to and from the bathroom, it’s important to make it as safe as possible.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to make your bathroom safer:
- If you have a shower over your bath, place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bath to prevent slips.
- Install grab rails in your bathroom. Grab rails by the toilet, shower, and bath can help you keep your balance on slippery surfaces.
- Consider investing in a shower seat. These are a great alternative to standing in the shower and minimise the risk of slips.
- Personal alarm, If you have a personal alarm make sure the pendant button is water-resistant. By keeping your pendant on in the bath or shower, you’ll be able to call for help quickly if you need it.
- Speak to your GP – They may be able to recommend exercises to improve your strength and balance or refer and signpost you to help within your local community.
Please remember that not all falls can be prevented. Accidents still happen but live-in homecare can help lessen the chance, as you’ll have someone living with you at all times.
A care professional will stay with you in your home, helping to run your household, providing personal care, home-cooked meals and companionship, they will ensure you are safe and well cared for.
At GoodOaks, we provide premium visiting and live-in homecare. Care plans are designed around you, your likes and preferences. Please give us a call and speak with a member of our friendly team to find out more. You can find the nearest office with your postcode here.
