Falls are the number one cause of unintentional injuries in the home. They account for about 27% of all home injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults. And according to the CDC, more than two-thirds of those who fall and are treated in the emergency department do so again in the same place of residence within a month. Falls can happen anywhere, and they can be prevented with careful attention and planning. Here are some common hazards that you may want to keep an eye out for at home to reduce your risk of injury from falling—or falling and staying there.
Wet floor
Wet floors are a common cause of falls, especially in older adults. When your floors get wet, they become more slippery. That makes it harder for you to navigate around the house without falling. You may want to look into installing rubber or plastic floor mats in high-risk areas in your home. These mats can help protect against wet floors, as well as protect your floors against scuffs and scratches. You can also cover your floors with throw rugs to help protect them from spills. If you have tile or hardwood floors, you can also cover them with a throw rug to help protect them from water.
Tripping hazards
Tripping hazards are common in the home, and many of them can be easily fixed. You may want to check your home for items that could trip you up, like wires, cords, and rugs. You may also want to remove any throw rugs that you have in high-traffic areas, like in the kitchen or near the front door. Make sure your lighting is in good working order, and consider installing additional lighting in high-risk areas, like near the kitchen and bathroom. You can also add grab bars in the bathroom and near the kitchen sink to help reduce the risk of falling.
Fading flooring
Fading flooring is another common cause of falls, especially in older adults. Fading flooring, also called secondary ageing, is a process that occurs when materials like wood, tile, and vinyl flooring are exposed to moisture, sunlight, or other elements over time. You may want to consider replacing any fading flooring with new materials, or you may want to add a protective coating to your existing flooring. You may also want to consider covering your floors with rugs to help protect them from fading.
Kitchen hazards
Kitchen hazards are a common cause of falls, especially among older adults. You may want to check your cabinets and drawers to make sure they are secure and properly installed. You may also want to replace any loose cabinet hardware with secure and heavy-duty attachments. You may also want to consider replacing old countertops with new materials that are less likely to cause injuries. You may also want to add a backsplash to your countertops to help protect against splashes and spills.
Loose rugs and mats
Loose rugs and mats can be a hazard to those who walk on them, and they can trip you up if they are in the path of your path. You may want to check your rugs and mats for loose threads, and you may want to replace any that are frayed and could get caught on your foot. You may also want to consider rotating your rugs to help extend their life.
Conclusion
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in the home. To reduce your risk of falling, you should identify areas of your home that may be hazardous, and take steps to fix them. You should also make sure you have the proper lighting and have good access to grab bars. Falls are a serious health issue, and they often lead to more serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall, you should immediately seek medical attention.