As your loved one ages, getting around can become increasingly difficult. While home caregivers can make a significant difference, if they don’t offer 24-hour care, falls are still possible. That’s why it’s crucial to take preventative measures around the house to decrease the risk of injury.

Angels Above and Beyond Home Health Services in New Richmond, OH, is owned and operated by registered nurses. An assigned caregiver from their company will allow your loved one to maintain their independence while providing the critical care they need. Here, this compassionate team offers advice to avoid hazardous falls.

5 Tips for Preventing Falls at Home

1. Stabilize Furniture

Ensure all the furniture in the house is sturdy, so if your loved one grips the arm of a chair or sofa to stand, it won’t move away from them. If the furniture does slide, place grip pads underneath the legs.

2. Try Grip Tape

Adhere grip tape to the stairs to improve traction, reducing the potential for slips and falls. Also, encourage your loved one to hold onto the railing when using the stairway.

3. Wear Sturdy Footwear

Socks and slippers are flimsy and provide little to no traction, making your loved one more likely to slip on linoleum or hardwood floors, or trip on the slippers themselves. Wearing sturdy sneakers or orthopedic shoes will help your relative stay upright on their feet.

4. Slip-Proof the Bathroom

Add non-slip pads and grip bars in the bathtub and shower to reduce the risk of injury in the bathroom. Remind your loved one to hold onto the grip bar while using the shower. If they are not strong enough to bathe on their own, hire a caregiver or home health aide to ensure your relative keeps up with basic hygiene practices.

5. Consider a Medical Alert Necklace

If you’re worried your loved one may fall when no one is around, consider a medical alert system. These products come in the form of a necklace or bracelet, and feature a button to alert the paramedics when you’ve fallen and can’t get up.

Being proactive to prevent falls at home can significantly reduce the chances of injury. Hiring a caregiver is one solution, but if your loved one doesn’t have 24-hour attention, they could still be at risk. For quality care in New Richmond, OH, call Angels Above and Beyond Home Health Services at (888) 919-2273, or visit the website to learn more.