MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FALLING
Every year, one in three adults age 65 and older will fall. These falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas. Most falls are preventable.
Make your home safer by:
- Reducing tripping hazards.
- Adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower, and next to the toilet.
- Adding railings on both sides of the stairways.
- Improving the lighting in the house.
Having regular vision checks is also important. Seniors who wear glasses should consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you’re planning to host grandma and grandpa for the holidays — or any elderly friends or relatives for that matter — preparing for the visit means more than just putting up decorations and making the house festive.
Seniors have different needs that should be considered, says Georgia AARP Associate State Director Karen Cooper.
“We have a lot of different people come into our homes during the holiday season, and we don’t always take into account their special needs,” she said.
One of the greatest needs for the elderly is minimizing the risk of falling. While one out of every three adults 65 and older fall every year, most of these falls are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Below, Cooper lists a few guidelines to consider that can help make a holiday visit safer for elderly house guests. There are also a few reminders for seniors getting ready for an out-of-town trip.
“Most of these would fit with any age guest, because guests of all ages can slip and fall,” Cooper said.
Beginning with the outside of your home, make sure the walks are clear and free of obstacles. While Atlanta rarely has snow or ice in December, there are always plenty of leaves and other debris from trees. “Even leaves on a walkway can lead to a slip and fall when the walk is wet,” said Cooper.
As you go inside the home, make sure there is a sturdy handrail on any stairs leading to the door. “Guests may be carrying food items, gifts or luggage, so having a handrail to help stabilize and balance is always appreciated,” Cooper said. If there is no handrail, make sure you offer assistance with balance.
Inside the home, make sure there are no loose rugs in the entryway or hallways that guests could trip over. If there are rugs, check to make sure they have the right backing adhesive to keep them secure. Or, move them out of the way.
Ensure that there is good lighting outside and in all rooms. While you are very familiar with your home, guests may not easily see the ottoman that is always in front of a chair and might trip over it, Cooper said. For overnight guests, provide night lights to help them find their way to the bathroom or bedroom.
Always check to see if there are food allergies or food restrictions.
For outside walks or holiday activities, make sure everyone has the proper outerwear, with a scarf, hat and gloves, and appropriate shoes for the activity. Elderly guests have different ranges of agility and mobility, so hosts can take that into consideration. Someone who walks more slowly, or walks with a cane, could have a walking buddy assigned.
If seniors use aids at their own home, they will probably need them when they travel, too, such as a cane or walker. Having a shower chair available can also be helpful.
Seniors should make sure they take all their medications with them when they travel for the holidays. It’s also a good idea to take a few extra days’ worth of medication in case the trip is extended because of weather or other reasons, Cooper said.
Finally, seniors should always carry a list of their physicians’ names and phone numbers, and any emergency contacts and numbers with them when they travel.
“All of this will add to a pleasant visit for guests, and the hosts can know they have provided a welcoming and safe home,” said Cooper.
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