Occupational Therapy Home Safety and Falls Prevention Have you or your elderly family member tripped over an object on the floor, slipped in the toilet or fell off the bed at home? If your answer is ‘yes’, what have you done to prevent future incidences of fall? If your answer is ‘no’, are you aware that most falls occur at home? The risk of falls also increases with age. Falls in the elderly may result in muscle sprains, fractures, head injury, permanent disabilities or even death. The physical and psychological trauma associated with a fall may also limit a person’s participation in daily tasks such as dressing, toileting and showering. Common causes of falls at home Physical Factors
Environmental Factors
Impaired vision Poor balance and gait Muscle weakness Join stiffness or pain Dizziness Slow reflexes Decreased cognition leading to poor safety awareness Use of medications that may cause dizziness or confusion
Slippery or uneven floor surfaces Poor lighting or glare Inappropriate footwear Unstable furniture Low seat height Trip hazards, e.g. clutter along walkways, unsecured wire cords, loose rugs or objects lying on the floor