When your elderly loved ones reach a certain age, it’s important to pay closer to their daily routine to make sure that they are still living safely. This often includes checking in with them about their diet, exercise routine, and making sure that they are prescribed the proper medication. It’s also equally important to anticipate and remove potential barriers that could present a problem for your elderly loved ones. A growing concern for most elderly people is the increased chance of taking a fall. Unfortunately, a serious fall can be a catastrophic event and sometimes be the first step to a rapidly decreasing quality of life.

If you notice a change in your loved one’s balance, a decrease in confidence while walking, and/or complaining about foot or knee pain, it’s important take note of these changes as they could be signs of a fall risk. There are a few simple steps that you can take to insure that their home remains safe for them:

Look for loose rugs or awkwardly placed furniture. Have a clearly defined path through rooms in the house so that your elderly relatives do not need to maneuver too much while walking through rooms.
Be aware of inside or outside stairs that may cause trouble for your elderly relatives. Install a hand or guard rail to protect against slips and falls.

Most falls happen in the bathroom or other areas with a potentially wet floor. Be sure that there are enough secure rugs on the floor to absorb moisture and consider installing a handrail for the tub or shower.

If you are concerned with your elderly relative’s fall risk, talk to their family doctor or a Home Care agency who can help you assess the situation and give you further information on how to avoid falls. It’s important to follow your instincts and voice your concerns. You will not regret taking steps to insure that your loved one is safe in their own home.

If you notice a change in your loved one’s balance, a decrease in confidence while walking, and/or complaining about foot or knee pain, it’s important take note of these changes as they could be signs of a fall risk.