Vintage Care

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults age 65 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 older adults falls every year. Most of those falls happen at home while living alone. The good news is that most falls are preventable with simple home changes and daily habits. If you are a senior living alone, or if you are caring for a parent who is, this guide gives you 7 practical steps you can start today. Print this page and keep it on the fridge. Small changes add up to big safety. 1. Bathroom Safety: Grab Bars, Mats, and Seating The bathroom is the most common place for falls. Wet tile, standing up too fast, and lack of support all add risk. Start here because it gives the biggest return for safety. Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower. Mount them into studs or use approved anchors. Height guide: 33 to 36 inches, or 84 to 91 cm. Use a non-slip bath mat inside and ...

Is the House Unsafe or Are the Legs Getting Weak? A 6-Point Fall Check for Seniors Falls are a leading concern after 70. But the cause is rarely just “clumsiness.” Two big factors overlap: the home environment and the body’s strength and balance. A safe house cannot prevent a fall if leg strength is poor. And strong legs cannot help if the home is full of trip hazards. This post gives you a simple way to check both sides. Part 1: The Home Safety Scan Walk through the home as if you are seeing it for the first time. Look down at floor level. Clutter and cords : Remove items from walkways and secure electrical cords. Rugs and mats : Use non-slip backing or remove loose rugs. Lighting : Add night lights in hallways and bathrooms for evening trips. Bathroom setup : Non-slip mats, grab bars near toilet and shower, shower chair if needed.                                Bathrooms are a common place for sl...