Empower Your Tomorrow by Safeguarding Your Environment Today

By: Sheli Monacchio, CDP, HSAC, ADLS, senior vice president of business development, Angelion Mobility

Home is where everyone wants to be, but it can have major safety issues that can prevent older people from safely aging in place. One of the biggest concerns is the risk for an in-home fall, as things that have been in place for years turn into hazards as folks age and develop mobility concerns, decreased vision, and balance issues. It is easy to “be comfortable” at home but being safe is just as important.

The home is a hazard, with 55% of fall injuries inside the home, according to Age Safe America. Additionally, 23% happen of falls happen outside, but near the house, such as a senior falling taking out the garbage to the curb or doing yard work.

Falls are a serious risk, accounting for 25% of all hospital admissions and 40% of all nursing home admissions, according to Age Safe America. Of those admitted, 40% will never return to independent living and 25% will die within one year.

If you have difficulty with walking or balance or have fallen in the past six months, a fall risk assessment can help point out risks and hazards that you might not see.

Some may benefit from a home exercise program or physical therapy to help prevent falls. You can go to a physical therapy center or there are companies that come to you at home.

Consider a power scooter for when you go out of the house to be sure you do not get tired of walking far distances and always have a place to rest if you need to.

Safety Starts with You, Look Around Your Home for Red Flags

• When walking on smooth or slippery floors, wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber/no-slip bottoms or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
• If you have a cane or a walker, always use it instead of holding onto walls and furniture. Furniture can move with the added pressure of someone using it as a balance aid.
• Make sure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as books, shoes, and other clutter.
• Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Never place decorative rugs at the bottom or top of stairs.
• Pick up all area rugs. They are easy to trip or slip on.
• Consider ramps, stair lifts and lift chairs to give you accessibility to all areas of your home.
• Answering phones can be hazardous, as some people fall rushing trying to answer the phone. Either carry a cordless, cell phone or let an answering machine pick up. Call back when you are able.
• Make sure there is good lighting, especially in high-traffic areas. Nightlights are essential for nighttime safety, especially for the late-night restroom trips.

The Bathroom is Treacherous

• Have grab bars installed in the shower and near the toilet to make getting around easier and safer.
• Use rubber mats with suction cups that adhere to the bathtub to prevent slipping.
• There are special tub/shower chairs and benches that can allow a place for you to sit to rest if you get tired, and help you get out of the tub while in a sitting position so that you do not lose your balance as you enter or exit your tub.
• Treat your bathroom floors with a non-slip treatment.
• If you are having a challenging time, or on and off the toilet, consider a raised toilet seat and grab bars. Do not try and use the toilet paper holder as a balance aid.
• As you age in place, there are also portable showers you could use as well as full bathroom modification. Turning your bathtub into a walk-in shower could be the most empowering move you make if your goal is to age in place.

Your Regular Recliner is Not Safe for Sleeping

The number of seniors who sleep in their recliners as an “alternate bed” is shocking! A regular recliner is not the safest to sleep in, yet many sleep in these chairs.

“Why?” you ask? The problem is, as we age, our abilities change.

The first problem with sleeping in a recliner is that it throws the body completely off balance. Every muscle, ligament and joint become loose, and the body is forced to work harder than when it is sitting or standing. This means more wear and tear on the bones and ligaments resulting in a higher chance of permanent injury.

Ever seen someone rock back and forth to get out of their chair? This is a red flag and a sign that they are not able to manage this task safely. Worn chair arms can cause someone’s grip to slip. Seniors who do not want another chair option because their chair is “broken-in” is also a concern. Remember that “broken in” can result in a “broken hip” or other injuries.

Many seniors try and get up too quickly from a recliner and they are at risk of their blood pressure dropping when they get up this way. A sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting-which can all lead to a fall and injury.

Chair sleeping can also lead to spinal cord injury, respiratory issues and acid reflux.

If you are having trouble with getting in and out of bed or your recliner, consider a recliner lift chair that was built with twilight technology and options for sleeping.

The right lift chair can also be a solution to a caregiver’s challenge of lifting their client or loved one. Recliner lift chairs bring a person to their feet slowly and steadily (takes about 20 seconds) and help families and professional caregivers from having to physically ‘lift’ someone.

All these solutions can provide an improved quality of life for those aging in place. No two solutions are created equal. Take the time to speak to a qualified Certified Home Safety Consultant to determine the solutions right for you based on your abilities and finances. You can empower your tomorrow by educating yourself today and preparing before a crisis hits.