Most seniors would prefer to age-in-place rather than move into an assisted living or nursing home. While living at home can offer greater independence to seniors, this housing choice comes with a few safety concerns. Household accidents, particularly falls, are dangerously common among the senior population. Acknowledging this risk and taking steps to eliminate fall hazards will help you live a long and happy life in the place you call home.

Besides making home accessibility modifications and healthy lifestyle upgrades, downsizing could be a great way to make aging-in-place possible. Whether you stay in your current home or build or move to a new one, the Southern Medical Association presents some other ways to prevent falls at home!

• Identify and address these common fall hazards that are often present in seniors’ homes.
• The National Council on Aging recommends taking these steps to make your home fall-proof.
• Bathroom grab bars are a great safeguard for seniors who need extra support lowering or raising themselves up.
• If you have a security system with smart cameras, make sure your loved ones have access to the video feed so they can call for help if they see that you’ve fallen.
• Be extra cautious when walking up and down stairs, and make sure they’re extra well-lit so you can see every step.
• Winter can be an especially dangerous time for seniors who are susceptible to falls, so make sure you have proper footwear and hire someone to keep your walkways clear of ice.
• Also look into shoes that are designed to keep older adults safe no matter the time of year.
• If you suffer a fall, go to the doctor right away so they can ensure your blood pressure and vitamin D levels are normal, and that you didn’t sustain any injuries.
• A caregiver can be a lifesaver for older adults who need extra help with daily living tasks.
• Certain medications can make senior falls more likely, so be sure to take them cautiously.
• If you’re looking to boost your overall health, take a look at these great resources.
• Eating a healthy diet will give your body the strength it needs to stay stable.
• Balance and strength exercises will also help seniors avoid falls.

Whether you decide to downsize into a single-story home, invest in upgrades that will enhance the accessibility of your current home, or build a new property, remember to incorporate a few lifestyle changes into your fall prevention plan as well. Keeping your body fit and strong will help you avoid accidents and live a long life! After implementing some tried and true fall prevention measures in your life, aging-in-place will remain a safe and realistic living option for many years to come.

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About the Author:
Lydia Chan is the co-creator of Alzheimers.net, a website that aims to provide tips and resources to help caregivers. After her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she found herself struggling with finding balance between the responsibilities of caregiving and her own life. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with caregivers and seniors.