Fall Prevention Systems for Seniors in Hemet, CA

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), in 2021, emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adult falls. In addition, the cost of treating such injuries is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.

While senior falls are costly in terms of health and money, the good news is that there are effective fall prevention systems to reduce risks in everyday life. So if you have an elderly loved one in Hemet, CA, and you're wondering how to support them, keep reading.

This article will go over the key fall prevention systems you should help them put in place.

Home Safety Modifications

You may be surprised, but simple changes around the house can have a big impact on avoiding falls in seniors. There are small and quick things you can do to help your senior, such as:

Rearrange furniture to create clear walking paths
Tuck away all cords
Secure or remote loose rugs

These things should be done even for independent living safety, as active seniors can still have just as high a trip and fall risk as other older adults.

Plus, if your loved one is in a senior living apartment, these tips still apply. While the living space is designed for older adult use, they're allowed to personalize things. Unfortunately, this can mean a build-up of clutter, so help your senior tidy up to make things safer.

Handrails and Stair Safety Systems

One of the biggest fall hazards in the house is the stairs. Not only can the steps be tricky to navigate, but all it takes is one misstep, and you're tumbling down the stairs.

To provide critical support for your beloved senior, you should install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs. In addition, non-slip strips or treads further reduce risks. Or if they have mobility challenges, look into installing stair lifts.

If your loved one lives in a single-floor home, then they're already much better off. But you can make it even better for them by adding ramps to make entryways safer.

Bathroom Safety Systems

The bathroom is another room where most slips and falls happen, as there are slippery surfaces. To give your senior more support in the bathroom, use safety systems like:

Walk-in tubs
Shower chairs
Handheld showerheads
Raised toilet seats

An additional good idea is grab bars. When placed near toilets and showers, they give older adults something to hold onto when sitting, standing, or stepping in and out of the tub.

All of these solutions make bathing safer and more comfortable.

Good Lighting and Smart Home Systems

According to NeoVision Eye Center, as we get older, our night vision gets worse. Other factors that affect seniors can contribute as well, such as vitamin deficiencies and cataracts.

In any case, poor visibility increases fall risk, especially at night. You can significantly decrease this risk by ensuring that your loved one has bright and even lighting throughout the home.

Motion-sensor night lights can be especially beneficial when installed in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. That way, when your beloved senior gets up in the middle of the night, they don't have to fumble with light switches.

You can consider smart home systems too. They can automatically adjust lighting or allow seniors to control lights by voice command or phone app.

Mobility Aids

Older adults with balance challenges who need extra stability and support should look into mobility aids for seniors. They include:

Canes
Walkers
Rollators

The right type of mobility aid for your loved one will depend on their needs. For example, if they only require light support, then a cane should suffice. But walkers give more security, and rollators allow for easier movement with built-in seats for rest.

Modern devices should be lightweight, adjustable, and easy to maneuver, so they shouldn't be difficult for your loved one to adopt.

Balance and Strength Training Programs

One of the most powerful fall-prevention tools is exercise. Not only can it improve your beloved senior's overall health, but it can also be good for their mental health. Most importantly, it can provide balance support for seniors, which then reduces fall risks.

There are basic exercises that older adults can learn at home on their own. There are also simple exercises like standing on one foot or practicing sit-to-stand movements from a chair.

Seniors can also join programs such as:

Tai chi
Yoga
Senior-focused fitness classes

Non-Slip Flooring and Shoes

The surfaces you walk on and what you wear on your feet play a major role in whether you fall or not. So first, address the flooring in your loved one's home. Options include:

Textured vinyl
Low-pile carpet
Rubber mats

Next, evaluate their footwear. They should opt for supportive, non-slip shoes with closed heels for better traction and balance. If your loved one enjoys being barefoot indoors, then get them non-slip socks.

Daily Routine Adjustments and Planning

One of the best senior safety tips we can offer you is a thoughtful daily routine. They can do the following to conserve energy and reduce balance issues:

Taking time to rise slowly from a bed or chair
Avoiding rushing
Planning rest breaks during the day
Keeping essential items within easy reach

Fall Detection and Alert Systems

Despite our best efforts to prevent falls, the reality is that they can still happen. In that case, technology can offer peace of mind.

Your loved one can use wearable devices and smartwatches with fall detection, which will automatically alert emergency contacts if they fall. There are also medical alert pendants and bracelets that have easy-to-press buttons for help.

Consider These Fall Prevention Systems

You may be worried about your loved one as the years go by and they get older and less able-bodied. But it's not realistic to be there 24/7 to prevent falls.

Instead, you can rely on the above fall prevention systems to reduce risks and improve safety. With the right systems in place, everyone can rest easy.

If you're interested in senior living in Hemet, CA, then get in touch with us today. The Camelot has safety rails, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems to ensure that our residents are as safe and secure as possible.