Reducing Fall Risks for Seniors with Spring Cleaning

Reducing Fall Risks for Seniors with Spring Cleaning

Spring is here! With warmer weather comes the urge to open windows, declutter, and breathe new life into our homes. But for families with senior loved ones, spring cleaning presents an opportunity to create a safer environment and reduce the risk of falls. Here’s how to turn your spring cleaning into a fall prevention mission:

Declutter for Clear Pathways

• Tame the Tchotchkes: Walking paths should be clear and free of clutter. Encourage your parents to donate or store knick-knacks and decorative items that could become tripping hazards.
• Corral Cords: Loose electrical cords pose a serious tripping risk. Secure cords with clips or invest in cord covers.
• Shoe Shuffle: A designated shoe rack near the entryway prevents footwear from cluttering walkways.

Lighten Up for Better Visibility

• Window Washing Wonders: Clean windows not only enhance natural light but also improve visibility, reducing the risk of bumping into objects.
• Light Bulb Bonanza: Replace burned-out bulbs and consider brighter options for improved overall lighting, especially in hallways and staircases.
• Night Light Navigation: Install night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms to ensure safe navigation in low-light conditions. Resources like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind offer valuable home safety tips for those with vision loss.

Bathroom Bliss with Safety in Mind

• Bath Mat Matters: Ensure the bath mat has a non-slip backing to prevent slipping after showering.
• Grab Bar Greatness: Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside the shower/bathtub for added stability.
• Shower Seat Support: Consider a shower seat for added stability while bathing. Many Canadian medical supply stores offer these, and some might even be covered by provincial healthcare plans.

Stairway Safety Strategies

• Rail Up!: Ensure both sides of staircases have sturdy handrails for support.
• Step Up Your Light: Install additional lighting on each step to improve visibility on stairs.
• Mind the Gap!: Check for loose carpeting or uneven steps that could create tripping hazards.

Bonus Safety Tips

• Low-Pile Rugs Rule: Replace thick, high-pile rugs with low-pile rugs or secure them with double-sided tape to prevent slipping.
• Furniture Placement: Arrange furniture to create clear pathways and avoid blocking traffic flow.
• Review Medications: Certain medications can increase the risk of dizziness. Talk to your parent’s doctor about potential side effects and discuss fall prevention strategies.

Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a back-breaking endeavor. Tackle tasks together, making it a fun and bonding experience while fostering a safer environment for your loved ones.

Additional Resources

• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offers a wealth of information on preventing slips, trips, and falls at home.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada provides resources on fall prevention for seniors.

By combining spring cleaning with fall prevention measures, you can create a safer and more enjoyable home for your senior parents. So grab your cleaning supplies, turn up the music, and make spring cleaning a joyful (and safe!) family affair!

Bayshore Home Health offers a wide range of home care services to help Canadians live independently for as long as possible. Contact us at 1-877-289-3997 for details.