National Aging in Place Week - 10 Simple And Inexpensive Things Seniors Can Do To Reduce Falls

Oct. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- October 12-18 is National Aging in Place Week, and it’s the perfect time to remind seniors about the importance of home safety. Aging in Place is defined by the National Aging in Place Council as the ability to continue to live in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.  It is estimated that individuals over 65 years of age have a 43% chance of spending some time in a nursing home.  Aging in Place strives to reverse that trend by providing seniors and the people who care for them with information, tools and resources to help them remain in their homes longer.

One way to do that is to reduce the incidences of falls in and around the home.  The CDC estimates that in 2008, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls and about 1.8 million people 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls.  Implementing simple inexpensive changes around the home can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls.  Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist Jacqueline Wynter, has worked with home based seniors for years, and says there are several easy fixes that can be made around the home to reduce the risks of falls. “Something as simple as removing throw rugs can dramatically reduce the risk of falling at home.”  Jacqueline offers 10 simple and relatively inexpensive things seniors can do to make their homes safer.

1.   Remove throw rugs
2.   Use non-skid bath mats in bath tubs
3.   Wear house slippers with enclosed heels and non-slip soles
4.   Clear paths and hallways of extension and phone cords
5.   Engage in a regular, low-impact exercise program like Tai Chi
6.   Make sure stair railings are securely affixed on all stairways
7.   Move kitchen items used daily, to lower, easy accessible shelves
8.   Maintain proper lighting throughout the home
9.   Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist to reduce side effects and interactions that could lead to dizziness or loss of balance.
10.   Have eyes checked annually by an eye doctor
Jacqueline adds, “Although these suggestions are small, implementing just one or two of them can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to remain living in their home.”

For more inexpensive tips and tools for Aging in Place, visit The Aging Suite website at www.agingsuite.com.

The Aging Suite is a website dedicated to providing older individuals and their family members with tips and tools for aging in place.  For more information about The Aging Suite, please contact Grace Wynter at 404.939.0648 or grace@wyncomm.com.

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