An annual report from the Centre for Disease Control shows that over 14 million older adults in the United States experience a fall each year. Whether you’re a new or seasoned caregiver in South Dakota, North Dakota, South Carolina, North Carolina, or any other state, you may be wondering how you can make changes to your home so it can be safer for both you and your care recipient. 

This article will outline 5 tips to make your home safer and prevent injury and falls. 

Looking for more information like this? South Dakotans have free access to Trualta, which offers even more caregiving resources and training on how to help with specific tasks. 

Trualta is also available elsewhere in the United States. Use this link to check if you also have free access to Trualta in your state.

1. Declutter

This helpful tip is often missed. You may not realize how even just a few extra items can create a big risk. Clearing walkways and counter space from clutter can make a huge difference in preventing injury. Some common areas to pay attention to are:

• Stairs. Leaving little items or papers in the corner of the steps to bring up or down the next time you pass by can actually create a big risk of injury or fall. 
• Hallways. Avoid placing items like bags, shoes, or baskets in the hallway, as these can restrict walking space and create a tripping hazard. 
• Countertops. Having a clear countertop can ensure you and your care recipient have a safe space to use when cooking or preparing food. 

You may also want to consider getting rid of unnecessary furniture or decor that gets in the way of clear and open walkways. 

2. Use Equipment & Tools

If your care recipient is experiencing challenges with mobility and requires more assistance with daily tasks, there are a variety of tools and pieces of equipment that can help. Proper installation and use of these tools can reduce the risk of injury during tasks. Equipment can be used in many places in the home. Some examples of equipment include:

• Long-handled reachers and sponges
• Raised toilet seats 
• Grab bars
• Shower chairs 
• Bedside commodes

3. Rearrange Furniture & Decor 

Room configuration can be the key to a safer home. A few small furniture changes can make a big difference in clearing out walkways and avoiding the need to navigate around them. This can be especially important for people who use walking devices like a walker or cane. Some changes could be:

• Moving a couch or chair so that it’s against the wall, rather than in the center of a room. 
• Tucking chairs all the way under tables, rather than leaving them out. 
• Placing a frequently used chair closer to a bathroom to reduce walking distances. 
• Moving a plant from a walkway, out of the way and into the corner of the room instead.

In general, you’ll want to turn furniture around as relevant to your living space. While doing this, ask questions like, “How would a person have to navigate from this chair to get to the kitchen or bathroom? Do they have to twist, turn, or navigate unnecessarily? What’s a more efficient movement?”

If mobility challenges are significant, some people may choose to switch around rooms in the home to suit their needs and abilities more appropriately. For example, having a bedroom downstairs instead of upstairs to avoid using stairs. 

4. Prepare For Emergencies

While it’s difficult to imagine the worst-case scenario, staying vigilant and preparing will ease your mind and help in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, medical emergency, or natural disasters. 

• Check your local news and national news regularly. This can ensure you’re aware of the latest news surrounding possible storms, important alerts or warnings, and relevant emergency preparedness tips. 
• Pack a grab-and-go bag. If you need to leave your home quickly, having a small pre-packed bag with essentials like identification, cash, medication, and a first aid kit can make a big difference.
• Consider mobility challenges. Make a plan for how you’ll get your care recipient out the door quickly in the event of an emergency, especially if they experience mobility challenges. 

5. Ask For Help

One of the most important tips of all: ask for help when you need it. Your healthcare team can always help with guidance on safety tips and things you should be aware of. For example, an occupational therapist can come to your home to complete a home safety assessment. They can then provide specific recommendations that are tailored to you and your care recipient’s abilities, needs, preferences, and home environment. 

Are There Local Resources I Can Access?

For local recommendations, the South Dakota Safety Council outlines many helpful resources, as well as other United States government pages like The South Dakota Department of Safety, which highlights specific tips on topics like fire safety. 

You can always complete an online search to find additional local resources. You can type something like “South Dakota Caregiver Resources” and find organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, which has a local South Dakota office in Sioux Falls that offers a variety of programs for your choosing. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of flexible online options like Trualta for on-demand caregiving training. If you live in South Dakota, you can access Trualta for free. Registration is quick and easy.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html#:~:text=adult%20fall%20trends.-,Falls%20are%20the%20leading%20cause%20of%20injury%20for%20adults%20ages,adults%20report%20falling%20every%20year. 
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room 
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/lifestyles/seniors-aging-preventing-falls-around-your-home.html