We spend most of our time at home, and when we move to a new one, fall risks are usually not at the forefront of our minds. One in five falls results in serious injury, and every year nearly 3 million emergency visits are due to older people falling. If you’re concerned about yourself and your loved ones, here’s how to spot potential fall hazards in your new home, and how to prevent them.
Hallways and Stairways
Check to make sure all carpet is firmly attached to the floor, and consider no-slip strips or mats under rugs to prevent tripping over the edge. Motion-activated night lights are great in hallways and on the stairs for late-night coming and goings, and ensure there is at least a guardrail on the side of the staircase. If your home has wooden stairs, consider a carpet runner or textured strips to prevent slipping.
All too frequently, we leave things on the steps as a reminder to get them on the next time we climb them. If we forget or are unaware of these things, there could be a serious fall danger.
Bathrooms
Non-skid mats are the best way to prevent slipping in the bathroom, especially by the shower/tub. Showers and bathtubs are naturally abrasive. Self-stick, non-slip strips are a simple and effective way to improve our grip and keep our feet where they belong. Because of the constant dampness they are exposed to, non-slip mats with suction cups should be avoided since they may eventually lose their suction.
Check to see if water escapes and pools on the floor outside the tub/shower after using it. If so, a better shower curtain or re-sealing of shower doors might be necessary.
Kitchen
Are the things you use most frequently in easy reach? The best places for kitchen appliances or tools that we use infrequently are higher cabinets or remote corners, which frees up room for often-used goods to be easily accessible. Invest in a good step stool, one with a wide base, and consider one with a handrail for extra safety. A step stool will make anything out of reach easier and safer to get, rather than climbing on the counters or using a chair.
Bedrooms
Make sure the path from the door(s) to your bed is clear, especially at night. Have a lamp or other source of light within easy access to your bed, navigating through the dark only increases the chances of falling.
Outside
If you have steps leading to your front door, make sure they are not broken or uneven and add non‐slip material and if you have a large staircase, install a handrail. In the winter, treat outdoor walkways with an ice melt product or sand to make them less slippery. Do the same for the driveway.
Other Safety Tips
- Think about installing a smart home gadget that can instantly link you to contacts or emergency response teams. A few smartwatches include the ability to immediately contact for help in the event of an emergency or to detect abrupt movements that resemble a fall.
- In the winter when you track snow inside, put all winter boots and shoes on a tray to collect the moisture, and clean up melted snow puddles to prevent slipping.
- Keep electrical cords near walls and away from walking paths.
Are you looking to enter the real estate market this fall? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
