“The best advice I can give you about falling is to never land.”
– Chevy Chase
Deciding on moving to an assisted living facility is tough. While assisted living offers many advantages, a home is much more than a place to live and parting from it is difficult. Many people would prefer to live at home as long as possible, but are worried if it is a wise decision.
If this is something you’ve been considering, you want to make sure your home is safe. In this post, we’ll explore safety in relation to avoiding falls.
Fall Hazards
Falling can be dangerous as you age and you definitely want to put safeguards in place. Here are 5 to think about:
1. Steps
To live at home often means to live on several floors or climbing stairs. This also means that the chances of falling are greater. If living at home means facing a staircase, you might want to look into getting a chairlift.
2. Banisters
Another fall precaution is a banister. Supporting your body with your hands in addition to your feet can go a long way in helping you avoid a fall.
3. Slip-Resistant Floors
Some floors put you at a greater risk than others when it comes to slipping. If your tiles weren’t designed for your older years, you may want redo it or buy slip-resistant mats. This is especially important in the shower.
4. Shoes
A shoe or slipper with good traction can make a tremendous difference when it comes to seniors. With the right shoes, you are less likely to lose your balance and fall.
5. Emergency Alarm
Hopefully, you won’t come into contact with falling, other than in this article. But you may want to take an extra safety measure and get an emergency alarm. These devices can be worn on your arm or around your neck and allow you to call for emergency services at the touch of a button.
Living at home as a senior can be rewarding, but to make it a possibility, it is vital to protect yourself and fall-proof your home as much as you can.
What are your thought on living at home as a senior?
Please share in the comments below.