For seniors, the risk of suffering a fall in their own homes is especially high. Nearly 90 percent of all fatal falls in the home happen to people older than 65. There are many reasons for this. They range from declining physical strength to high thresholds to a lack of anti-slip mats in the shower or bathtub. The campaign DAS SICHERE HAUS (DSH) names these ten most common tripping hazards and gives tips on how to remedy them:
1. too much furniture in a small space
There should be about 1.20 meters of space in front of each piece of furniture. If the room is too crowded, safe passage will be difficult. Tip: do without one or the other piece, even if it is difficult.
2. slide in the bathroom
Handholds in the shower or bathtub and near the toilet help to increase safety. Place a non-slip mat in the shower or bathtub. Create seating in the bathroom.
3. get out quickly at night – and in the dark.
Put night lights in outlets on frequently walked paths (hallway, hallway). Better: permanently mounted lights on the paths, placed so that the light does not blind you.
4. slippers and fuzzy slippers.
Slippers should be flat, have a treaded sole and provide firm support for the foot, especially at the heel. Replace worn out shoes in time.
5. stairs
- Flower vases and pedestals are not for stair landings.
- Never go up or down stairs fully loaded and in a hurry.
- Illuminate stairs well (light switch at the top and bottom).
- Secure stair treads with non-slip coverings, for example, rubber strips on stone steps.
6. loose rugs and runners
Remove if possible, as always a tripping hazard. If you do not want to do this, loose carpets and runners should be secured with double-sided adhesive anti-slip coverings. Attention: Different coverings for different floors (stone, parquet, carpet, PVC). Seek advice from a specialized dealer.
Secure upstanding corners with double-sided adhesive coverings as well.
7. door thresholds
Remove if possible. If this is not possible, paint with a color that clearly contrasts with the surrounding floor.
8. chair to help you get up.
Store steps and ladders where they can be retrieved quickly (not: garage, basement, attic).
Replace damaged ladders immediately with a new one, looking for the GS mark (stands for “tested safety”).
9. hang curtains, change light bulb.
If you find these tasks difficult, ask relatives or neighbors for help. Often the willingness to help is greater than expected.
10. extension cords and telephone cords: the longer, the better?
Tape extension cords to the floor with parcel tape along their entire length. Better: have additional electrical outlets installed.
Telephone cords should not be too long. Better: purchase a cordless phone.
