Operating a care home means that you are tasked with caring for people’s loved ones, making sure they have all the right necessities, and providing a safe and secure environment. For elderly residents, one of the biggest risks is falling. What may not seem like a big deal, just a little fall, can prove extremely serious for frail seniors sending their health into a downward spiral. Should they fall and get a head injury, suddenly it can become a critical emergency. This is exactly why fall prevention should be taken so seriously.
Here’s a look at four elderly fall prevention tips that your care home can and should embrace immediately to ensure the safety of its residents.
Bathrooms Need Special Attention
One of the most common rooms where falls occur is the bathroom. It makes sense as there can be condensation build-up, slippery wet floors and tight quarters. You don’t have to be elderly to have an accident in the bathroom, especially if no safety measures have been put in place.
To make the room safer for elderly residents, here are some of the measures you can adopt:
- Install handrails and grab rails in the shower and bathtub
- Install handrails next to the toilet
- Install a raised toilet seat
- Install non-slip gripping pads on the floor of the shower and bathtub
- Install a motion-sensor light so it comes on the moment they enter the room
- Make sure there are no tripping hazards
- Install a walk-in shower and/or bathtub
- Shelving should be easy to reach
It’s a lot of work to make the bathroom safe, but by doing so you’ll be drastically reducing the odds of a fall.
Do You Need Care Home Mobility Equipment?
Depending on the needs of the elderly person, you may also need care home mobility equipment installed. This makes moving them from one spot to another easier, faster, safer, more comfortable and less chance of a fall occurring. These nursing home supplies are common to find, as many residents can be dealing with mobility issues.
Some of the care home supplies you may want to use include patient slings, patient hoists, transfer aids, toilet aids, shower and bathing equipment, walking aids and more.
Keep Walkways/Hallways Clear and Well-Lit
A very simple tip is to make sure that all walkways and hallways are kept clear of clutter and debris so that the elderly can make their way around without obstacles. These areas should also be well-lit, which may require additional lighting. Grab rails along the hallways also give residents something steady and secure to hang on to.
Any hazards such as spills, loose floorboards or carpeting, loose area rugs and so forth should be addressed immediately.
Make Sure the Elderly Have Assistance When Needed
Finally, you want to be sure that any elderly resident who is at increased risk of a fall has assistance when moving about.
Using these tips in your care home will ensure you do all you can to create a safe environment that helps to prevent the elderly from slipping and falling.
