
As over 10,000 individuals are turning 65 years of age each day, it is more important than ever to have a plan to stay healthy and independent. At Alamo Companion Services, our experience has shown that preparation is one of the best ways to stay safe and avoid falls. Taking charge and making a few changes in a home can make all of the difference. Are there big changes to be made such as having a bathtub replaced with a walk-in shower or installing a stair lift? It might even be time to move to a home built or remodeled with aging in mind.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for an aging individual. Once a fall has occurred, it is more likely that there will be another fall. With each fall, it is less likely to maintain independence. There are many things that can and should be done as fall prevention. The following suggestions apply not only to the Baby Boomers but to everyone:
- Get eyes checked yearly and keep the prescription up to date
- Eliminate throw rugs within your home
- Keep all electrical cords away from the walking path
- Wear well-fitted shoes or slippers with grippy tread
- Use night lights or a flashlight when walking in the dark
- Install handrails everywhere you have stairs
- Install grab bars in showers and bathtubs
- Have access to a telephone on each level of your home and in the master bedroom
- Have light switches installed at both ends of a hall or top and bottom of stairs
- Arrange all furniture so that it is easy to move around
Following these suggestions will help keep the home safe to enjoy for retirement.