Spring Cleaning with Safety in Mind: Fall-Prevention Tips From Home Instead Bristol North
Fall prevention tips from Home Instead Bristol North: Simple spring-cleaning ideas to help older adults stay safe and reduce trip hazards at home.
Spring is here, and it’s time to let in some fresh air. A proper spring clean involves more than just tidying up – it’s also a great time to make our homes safer.
At Home Instead Bristol North, we support many older and less mobile people in the community. We know how important it is to reduce the risk of falls, as they are a leading cause of injury for older adults. The good news? A few simple changes can easily minimise these risks.
Spring Clean With Safety in Mind
Spring’s a great time to clear out the clutter. While you’re at it, why not make a few changes to help prevent trips and falls?
– Clear the Way: Remove any floor clutter, like shoes or bags, that can be easily tripped over. Make sure high-traffic areas like hallways, stairs, and the space between rooms are kept clear.
– Make Floors Safer: Loose rugs and exposed wires are common tripping hazards. Use non-slip mats to keep rugs steady, and hide cables along the walls or behind furniture to avoid tripping.
– Let There Be Light: Check that all bulbs are bright and working, especially in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. Nightlights help with those late-night trips to the loo.
– Keep Essentials Within Reach: Everyday items shouldn’t be hard to reach. Whether it’s a kettle or medication, move it to a safe, easy-to-reach spot to avoid stretching or climbing.
– Clean with Care: Skip the wobbly chairs and use a sturdy step stool with a handrail if you need to reach high places. Even better: use long-handled cleaning tools to stay safely on the ground.
Handy Home Fixes
Just a few small changes at home can help lower the risk of falls and keep trips to the hospital at bay:
– Grab Rails in bathrooms and by stairs can offer extra support.
– Non-Slip Mats in the bathroom and kitchen help reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors.
– Furniture rearrangements can open up space, making it easier to move around freely.
– Proper footwear, like well-fitting shoes with a good grip, are safer than slippers or socks.
Keep Healthy Habits in Mind
Our health is just as important as our living environment when it comes to preventing falls:
- Keep Moving – Engaging in light activities such as walking or gentle stretching can enhance your balance and strength.
- Monitor Your Vision and Hearing – Impaired eyesight or hearing can increase the risk of falls, so it’s essential to have regular check-ups.
- Stay Well-Nourished and Hydrated – A balanced diet is vital for maintaining bone health and energy.
- Review Your Medications – Certain medications may impact your balance. Discussing your prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist can help ensure your safety if you feel any dizziness.
Looking Out for Others
Visiting an older friend, family member, or neighbour in Bristol North can mean the world to them. You might help with some tidying, move furniture for more space, or suggest small safety changes. Sometimes, simply talking through ideas is the most helpful thing you can do.
And don’t forget that we are here if ever you or a loved one needs extra support. At Home Instead Bristol North, our team provides friendly, personalised care to help people stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
Give us a call on 0117 435 0063 to chat about how we can support you or someone you care about.