Preventing falls is key to staying safe at home

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older adults in Australia. Sadly, people are often unable to return to living independently after a fall. Depending on their injuries, they may need more care and support than is available at home. Worry about falling, whether for the first time or again, can also lead people to become less active, affecting their mobility and overall health.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help prevent falls, from making your home safer and wearing supportive shoes and prescription glasses to maintaining your strength and balance through exercise.

A simple place to start is making sure the paths through your home are clear of anything you could trip over or bump into. Put bags and shoes away rather than leaving them in doorways or hallways, and keep frequently used routes clear, such as the path from your bed to the bathroom or from the lounge to the kitchen. Rugs can be a trip hazard, especially if they have loose edges or can crease or buckle. Try to avoid floor coverings with fringes or raised patterns that could catch your feet or shoes. Non-slip underlay, double-sided tape or specialised grips can help keep carpets, rugs and runners secure. Carpeted stairs can be especially slippery if you are barefoot or wearing socks, try to ensure you wear shoes when going up or down stairs. Choosing the right shoes is another simple step. Avoid thongs, open-toed shoes and slippers. Instead, choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with rubber soles to give you better grip on slippery surfaces and help you stay steady. Good lighting in and around your home makes it easier to spot slippery areas or unexpected obstacles, such as a package left in your path. If you are watering plants, make sure there aren’t puddles left where you could slip in them. If you have stairs in or around your home, you could consider having handrails, ramps, an electronic stair lift or an elevator installed. The Home Modifications pathway provides funding to help with these costs. Our Aged Care Support Specialists can explain how it works and help you apply, just give us a call. Regular eye tests and wearing your prescription glasses as recommended can help you see your surroundings clearly. Hearing also plays an important part in balance and awareness, so if you use a hearing aid, wear it even when you’re home alone.

There are also seasonal factors that impact fall risks – in summer the heat can cause dehydration and lead to dizziness and light-headedness. Drinking water regularly can help prevent this.

On the flip-side, you may want to reconsider what’s in your hot drinks. Research suggests caffeine may also contribute to the risk of falls. It can disrupt sleep and make you need the toilet more often or more urgently, which may increase the risk of falling on the way to the bathroom, particularly for older adults living with frailty. Cutting back on caffeine or switching to decaf is a good step towards improving your safety.

Finally – the advice we know helps with most health conditions, no matter your age –  keep moving with regular exercise. It doesn’t need to be strenuous – your GP or health professional can help you find the right type of exercise for you. Staying active and maintaining your strength supports your balance and can help you avoid a fall or recover from one.

Your Care Partner at Your Side can offer advice on preventing falls and talk through practical solutions you can access using your services and funding.

Call us on 1300 134 332 to talk about how we can support you.