It’s important that Australians remain as safe from any hazards that might increase their risk of falls at home. The Royal Commission has recently conducted research into Aged Care Quality and Safety, finding that Australians of all ages would prefer to receive assistance at home so they can live independently for longer during their retirement years rather than enter an aged care facility. These findings are significant, as it was found by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that “falls are Australia’s largest contributor to hospitalised injuries and a leading cause of injury deaths and that in 2018–19, 43% of hospitalised injuries and 39% of injury deaths were due to falls (AIWH, 2022).” Falls remain a big issue and Australians are preferring to live at home for as long as they can, so knowing how to stay safe at home is very important.
It’s very common to have many hazards at home which could have the potential to cause falls. We have devised a list of tips that could be used as a checklist.
1. Tape down rugs or remove them from the house if they present a tripping hazard.
2. Cables that run through the house can be a tripping hazard. If it’s necessary to have cables run through the house, tape them to the ground or run them under rugs.
3. Make sure all areas of the house are well lit and replacing light bulbs when they blow. Introduce night lights to help navigate if light switches are not easily accessible in the dark.
4. Make sure the bathroom floor is always dry by wiping floors after having a shower or bath.
5. Introduce textured, no-slip strips in the bathtub and shower.
6. Introducing shower chairs will greatly decrease risk of falling in the shower because you don’t need to balance on one leg when washing your feet, but you do when you don’t have a chair.
7. Put non-skid tape on steps where possible. Bright coloured non-skid tape will also greatly help with visibility.
8. A raised toilet seat is an attachment that raises the height of the toiled making it easier to get up off the toilet, and usually has handles that can be used to push yourself up.
9. Bannisters and railing in bathrooms, steps and hallways make it easier to get around the house and ensure you get around the house safely.
10. De-clutter the house. Make sure walkways are always free of tripping hazards.
11. Don’t wear loose, free flowing clothing when you’re cooking, as it’s possible your clothes can catch on fire.
12. Make sure that the heater isn’t near curtains, clothing, or furniture. And don’t forget to turn them off when you leave the room.
13. Keep medication in the original packaging to avoid taking the wrong medication.
14. Purchase a medication calendar pack so you know you’re taking the right medication every day and night. Get help sorting the medication calendar pack if needed.
15. Keeping personal information confidential to avoid getting scammed.
Gratitude In-Home Care offers a free safety Assessment of the entire home and can organise for any modifications to be done, cleaning and decluttering. GIHC can also help with making sure the correct medication is taken every day and night, as well as providing around the clock care if needed.
Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options
We provide the following services:
- Personal care
- Palliative care
- Overnight & 24-hour care
- Respite care
- Medication assistance
- Nursing services
- After hospital care
- Companionship
- Shopping support and meal preparation
- Gardening and home maintenance
- Transport support
- Assistance with household tasks
- Community access
Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
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References:
1. Royal Commission Aged Care Royal Commission Final Report Volume 1 – 2020
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Injury in Australia, Falls – 2021 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls