Dear Neighbor,

Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults? Fortunately, many falls can be prevented with a few simple changes around the home. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and independent:


1. Keep Walkways Clear


   •    Remove Clutter: Make sure floors are free of tripping hazards like loose rugs, electrical cords, and unnecessary clutter.
   •    Arrange Furniture Wisely: Ensure there’s enough space to walk freely through your home without bumping into furniture.


2. Install Safety Features


   •    Grab Bars and Handrails: Install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on both sides of stairways. These provide extra support where you need it most.
   •    Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.


3. Improve Lighting


   •    Brighten Dark Areas: Ensure your home is well-lit, especially in stairways, hallways, and entrances. Consider adding night lights in key areas.
   •    Use Motion-Sensor Lights: These can be particularly useful for getting around at night without fumbling for light switches.  Make sure your entire path from your bed, or wherever you sleep, to your bathroom is lit from the knees down.  Motion sensor lights come in the form of battery operated and plug-in so you don’t need an electrician to make these improvements.


4. Regular Health Checks


   •    Vision and Hearing: Regular eye and ear checkups are essential. Impaired vision or hearing can increase your risk of falls.
   •    Medication Review: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Have your doctor review your medications regularly to minimize fall risk.


Pro Tip: Wear shoes with non-slip soles indoors and outdoors to improve your stability and reduce the risk of falls.


At One You Love of Annapolis, our caregivers are trained to help create a safer environment in your home. We can assist with everything from rearranging furniture to installing safety features, ensuring you can move around with confidence.


If you’d like more information on how we can help make your home safer, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to being a part of your journey,

Kevin and Julianne

One You Love Homecare of Annapolis

800-410-3818