Falls are a leading cause of hospitalizations for seniors, so knowing what can be done around the house to help prevent or reduce the risk of falls can save a senior from the emergency room. Home modifications can be a huge help in fall prevention, particularly for frail seniors or those with mobility issues.

Adapting a home so that a senior can perform daily activities as safely and comfortably as possible can be simple or more involved. Changes could include removing throw rugs to prevent slips or installing a stair lift or elevator to improve accessibility. The type of modification required will depend on the nature of the senior's limitations and the physical set-up of the home, but an investment in home modification can help create a safer environment and allow a senior to remain independent for as long as possible.

Here are some simple home modifications that can be done to reduce the risk of falls for seniors.

Floors:

• Install low pile carpet or skid-proof tile
• Remove rugs, or secure them with non-skid tape
• Use a contrast in color with paint, carpet and furniture to denote changes in surface types or levels
• Avoid using floor polish

Lighting:

• Replace bulbs regularly to make sure there is adequate illumination in the home
• Use nightlights or motion sensor lights for better visibility at night
• Reduce the amount of electrical cords running across large areas

Throughout the Home:

• Arrange furniture so that it is easy to navigate around
• Remove wheels from furniture for more stability in case the senior needs to grip it for balance
• Make sure everyday appliances are within reach
• Use non-skid mats or strips in the bathtub and on bathroom floors

For more information on fall prevention and personalized care for seniors in the comfort of home, contact Freedom Home Care in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308. Freedom Home Care also has offices in Columbus, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama.