With statistics saying that more than 35% of fall-related hip fractures are fatal, is living independently for seniors a risky proposition?
 
The answer could be a resounding “YES” without proactive planning and safety equipment.

How do you prevent falls in your own home so you can remain independent (or how do you help loved ones prevent falls)?
 
Assess the risk. If you are (or a loved one is) in pretty good health with minimal mobility issues, risk may be minimal so a communications plan, a few fall-prevention safety products and a few fall-prevention housekeeping suggestions, may be all that is needed. 
 
Starting with the communications plan is simple. Just plan a time each day, or even twice a day, when someone phones or stops in to see that the senior living alone is okay (or the senior phones that person) just to say, “I’m okay.”

• remove scatter rugs;
• install motion-sensor lighting near stairs and in bathrooms;
• place railings on both sides of stairs with anti-skid tape on any painted stairs;
• use reachers (rather than stepping stools) to get items off high shelves;
• purchase night lights/emergency lighting that kicks on during power outages; and
• minimize clutter (including stray shoes scattered around the home or near doors

For individuals who may have other health or mobility issues—if  a person is frail, depressed, has poor vision or balance, or takes medicines that may cause dizziness–the risk of falling goes up substantially. Not only should the fall-prevention steps noted above be considered, but additional safety products should be considered.

Since more than 30% of falls occur in the bathroom, grab bars in the bathroom are essential. Some grab bars have huge suction cups on them so they are removable and can be taken to friends’ homes or on vacations to prevent falls when traveling, too.

A bathtub seat is also an easy item to place in traditional tub/showers; and a transfer bench can be used to help someone move easily from a wheelchair to the tub.

For individuals recovering from a surgery or orthopedic issue, regardless of age, consider using a walker with a tote bag that allows hands to be securely placed on the walker instead of struggling to carry items.

In addition to assessing the risk areas of your home and avoiding risky tasks, be sure to consider your footwear.  You may find better footing with rubber-soled shoes instead of thick-soled athletic shoes, and avoid walking on non-carpeted floors in stockings or socks, since your footing is not as secure.

Also, avoid ladders and step stools.  And try not to stand up too quickly, which can cause the head rush and sudden dizziness that often results in a fall.

Other tips include regular exercise that will help with balance, strength, and flexibility. It is proven that weight-bearing exercise can increase muscles in people well into their 80s (and minimize bone loss related to osteoporosis). 

For maximum peace of mind, consider an emergency alert device that can be worn or carried in a pocket, sending a signal to an outside service that you have fallen.  Also consider in-home assistance with tasks, even if this is an arrangement needed only on occasion, since home care providers will customize a visitation/service schedule for you.
 
Remember, too many people undergo painful surgery or even die because of falling and breaking a hip. What did our mother say? “An ounce of prevention…”  Let’s be safe!