Tables, benches, and other pieces of furniture may have sharp edges that could be extremely unsafe if fallen on; move these out of high-traffic areas if possible. Make sure that all electrical cords, phone cords, and curtain pulls are not where they could be snagged, tripped on, or tangled in. Perhaps the most simple and obvious, but equally important, solution: clear all areas of unnecessary clutter.
Light the way
Checking your lighting options could help prevent a fall as well. Bright lighting and flat, illuminated switches that are placed at the entrance to a room make it unnecessary for an elder to stumble through the darkness. Lighting along stairways is absolutely crucial (if there are stairs in the home, make sure that they are equipped with a sturdy banister or hand rail – or better yet, find an alternate route or switch around furniture to minimize the use of stairs altogether). Make sure that each step is clearly defined, but see that the light doesn’t cast deceiving shadows or create a glare. Indirect lighting is best for stairways.
Give the bathroom a makeover
Bathrooms are a hazardous area, but can easily be made “elder-friendly” with a few minor adjustments. Installing hand rails and grab bars is a must in order to prevent slipping and to give the elder support while getting up and down. They are a lifesaver in the shower and by the toilet, and in other areas where an elder may need a helping hand. Step-in showers are safer than tubs for bathing, but if a bathtub is your only option, make sure the hand rails are within easy reach.
Once the elder is safely in the shower or bath, seats with nonskid grips on all four legs (or even seats built right into the edge of the tub) can make the task easier and reduce the risk of a fall. Traction on the bottom of the tub can be improved with rubber mats or grips, but be sure that those aren’t tripping hazards themselves. If using a rubber mat, be sure that it fits securely, reaching all the way to the edges of the tub. To avoid having to reach up or lean over, elders can benefit from suction-cup baskets placed low on shower walls and equipped with all the necessary soap, shampoo, and toiletry items.
Another option is an automatic dispenser that will pump out shampoo and liquid soap with the simple touch of a button, eliminating the need to fumble with hard-to-open caps. Upon getting out of the shower or tub, a nonskid bath mat should be provided, and towels and a robe or clothing should be within easy reach. Seniors can be vulnerable to colds and pneumonia, so a timed heat lamp with an automatic shutoff, installed in the ceiling above the shower or bath, is helpful in warding off the chill. A single-handled faucet in both shower and sink can reduce the risk of scalding. Replace knobs and faucets with lever handles to make operation by arthritic hands easier (this holds true with all household knobs and faucets, not just the bathroom!)