Actions to Help Prevent Common Injuries in the Home

One of the greatest hazards leading to injuries in the home is clutter being left around the place and being tripped on. Luckily, this is also one of the easiest steps to take in making the home safer. Removing clutter from walkways, stairs, and moving low furniture (stools, footrests etc) from the middle of the floor can reduce the risk of someone not seeing them and tripping over. This is especially important on the stairs – even a small stumble on a staircase can lead to severe injuries.

Another step to compliment the removal of obstructions is to cover edges with padding, in case a fall does occur. If someone falls and bumps their head on a padded corner rather than a sharp, wooden corner, they will likely be less injured. While it may not look particularly attractive, the potential for injury reduction is large.

Another way of reducing the risk of injury is to install grab rails on the stairs and in the bathroom. Such rails will assist users who are less stable than they used to be when climbing the stairs, using the toilet, or getting in the bath. You can also consider installing mobility aid devices where necessary, such as stairlifts, bathlifts, or perhaps even specialised fittings such as walk-in baths. Depending on the need of the user(s), the solution will vary.

Fire is a danger in all homes, but especially so when the homeowner is older and may be less effective at fighting or escaping from a fire that might break out. The most important check here is to regularly check fire alarms, so that no fire remains undetected. You should also ensure fire extinguishers are available so that the fire can be fought if necessary, and discuss with the homeowner the risks of cooking, investigating alternative options if this is deemed necessary.

Should the worst happen, you’ll want to ensure the injured person is able to get in touch with family members and the emergency services. If you give the older family member a mobile phone or a personal alarm, they can bring attention to themselves if they sustain an injury in the home. This is especially important if they live alone, because they may spend hours unable to get up from where they fell depending on the injury.

While it’s horrible to imagine injuries among older loved ones, there are actions that can be taken to prevent and limit the damage these events can occur. The information given above is intended only as advice, and should be read as such.

– Chris Lee writes on behalf of More Ability, who sell a range of bathroom aids to assist users with a variety of needs.