This week is Falls Awareness Week (17th – 21st June 2013) and according to Age UK, a third of over 65s will fall every year.
With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at what changes could be made around the home in order to reduce this number and make the home a safer place to spend the later years.
- Grab rails
With the aim of giving a helping hand when you need it, a grab rail in areas you’re at high risk of falling can help give you the boost and support when you need it the most, including the bathroom, up the stairs and in the hallway between rooms. - Non-slip flooring
Slips and trips accounts for an enormous amount of unexpected falls. Using non-slip products can help reduce this. Most widely used are non-slip mats, but non-slip products also come in the form of slippers, bath seats and rug underlays to ensure minimum risk of falls. - Folding step
Many falls occur from standing on chairs to gain access to items out of reach. By using a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as a folding step, you can avoid the dangerous task of standing on an unsecure chair. - Perching Stool
For those who struggle with tired joints or muscles, regular gentle exercise can really boost your strength and reduce any discomfort which may result in a fall. However, for the time being, perching stools can be used around the home for standing activities for additional support. Preparing dinner in the kitchen is a perfect example. - Bath aids
Due to the high levels of moisture, the bathroom is a high risk area when it comes to falls, slips and trips. Using non-slip steps to get in and out of the bath can give greater ease of access to bathing, as well as lowering bath seats.