It is a horrifying fact that every year one in three seniors will fall. This increases when we take care of frail people or those who are taking some medications. Falls result in hip injuries, fractures, cuts and even fatal head and brain injuries.

There are some things that we can do around our client’s home to at least prevent some falls from happening.

• Remove clutter. Many older people will seem to hoard their old newspapers – in case they need them another day. You should try to remove these, particularly if they are in hallways or on the stairs. Enlist the help of family if you need to.
   
• Either remove or repair hazards. Watch for things like loose rugs and carpets, wooden floorboards that are sticking up. Little tables with three legs are notoriously unsteady.
   
• Add grab bars where needed. Handrails are essential for an older person going up and down the stairs. They are also invaluable in the bathroom, at the toilet to make standing up easy, and around the bath for assisting in getting out safely.
   
• Watch clothing. Any clothing that drags on the floor is a potential hazard. As our clients age, they tend to stoop forward more and a nightdress which was once at ankle length may now be almost on the floor – and a perfect way to catch a foot and fall.
   
• Light is up. It is very easy to trip if there is not enough light to walk up the stairs or along the hallway. You may be able to buy better light bulbs for this, or even add another light along the way. Night-lights are a great help for clients who get up at night to use the bathroom.

• Encourage shoes. While walking about in socks may be more comfortable, it is not as safe as wearing shoes. Socks will never be as son-slip as a good pair of shoes. If your client insists on wearing socks, then make sure that they all have non-slip grips on the soles.
   
• Move slower. Many falls are caused by moving too rapidly. Rushing to get to the telephone when it rings, or to answer the doorbell will all make a frail person even more unsteady. Encourage a slow and steady movement rather than rushing to do something. 

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