Best Bedroom Safety Products

 

Falls are a problem for many older adults. Not only are they more prone to falls and other injuries, but in seniors, those injuries are likely to become debilitating.

A 2017 review of National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) found that people over 65 years of age are visiting the emergency room more often than their younger counterparts for falls and fall-related injuries. Between 2003 and 2010, the visit rate increased from 60.4 percent to 68.8 percent.

And unfortunately, older adults aren’t out of the woods when the wound heals. Many chronic pain injuries leave seniors vulnerable to repeat injuries.

A study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that seniors who visited the Emergency Room in the past 6 months were 14 percent more likely to acquire a disability than their peers who haven’t been to the ER.

Here are some tips for avoiding common injuries among the elderly.

Use Appropriate Safety Equipment

Many falls occur at home, so it’s important to take measures to make the older adult’s home a safer place. Consider the following additions to keep your elderly loved one safe at home.

  • Overbed table: An overbed table may seem like a convenience item, but it can help at-risk seniors spend more time seated in a safe space. With the help of their overbed table, older adults can eat, play cards and keep themselves entertained without risking a fall by getting out of bed.
  • Stepstools: Place stepstools in areas where a senior may need them, like at a bedside, for example. A solid stepstool can help avoid falls as the older adult gets in and out of bed.
  • Bed rails: An adult bed rail is a great way to help ensure your aging loved one does not fall out of bed while they are sleeping.
  • Hip chairs: Hip chairs help people with arthritis safely sit down without flexing their hip.

Keep Your Home Clean

Clutter can be a problem for older adults who live alone. If you can help your aging loved one clean up their space, you may decrease their likelihood of getting injured. Clutter is problematic for everyone, but it can be especially damaging for someone with mobility issues. Do your best to keep the floors clear, and keep necessary items easily accessible. This includes all medications, personal care and hobby items that your loved one may access regularly. Doing so will help avoid falls as they reach or search for the things they need.

Consider Motion-Sensing Lights

To avoid a hazardous situation, consider installing motion sensing lights in your aging loved one’s space. This is especially helpful for seniors who live in a home or large apartment by themselves. If they have to walk across the room to turn on a light, they will be at greater risk of falling or getting injured.

Although fall- and injury-related emergency room visits are on the rise, there are many things we can do to keep elderly adults safe. Follow the tips on this list to help your aging loved one avoid falls or other injuries.

Best Bedroom Safety Products