Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors, and most happen right at home where people feel safest. Simple, affordable modifications can dramatically reduce fall risks and help seniors in Greenville-Spartanburg-Easley-Piedmont SC maintain independence. BrightStar Care shares practical steps families can take to create safer living spaces.
Start with High-Risk Areas: Bathrooms and Stairs
Bathrooms present the biggest danger due to slippery surfaces and hard surfaces. Install grab bars near toilets and in showers, using heavy-duty models anchored into wall studs. Non-slip mats outside tubs and under showers provide extra traction. For stairs, add reflective tape on edge of each step and ensure handrails extend beyond the top and bottom steps.
Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Poor lighting contributes to over 50% of home falls. Replace burnt-out bulbs with LED lights that provide bright, even illumination. Motion-sensor night lights automatically light hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms when seniors get up at night. Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens and above countertops reduces shadows while cooking or taking medication.
Address Common Tripping Hazards
Remove or secure throw rugs, which cause thousands of falls annually. Replace them with non-slip rug anchors if preferred. Clear floor clutter by creating designated storage for electrical cords, pet bowls, laundry baskets, and shoes. Keep frequently used items at waist height to eliminate reaching, bending, or stepping onto footstools.
Choose Safe Furniture and Pathways
Furniture should support safe transfers. Armchairs and sofas at proper heights (seat 18-20 inches from floor) make standing easier. Remove or replace unstable footstools and ottomans. Create 36-inch wide pathways between rooms by rearranging furniture, making navigation safer with walkers or canes.
Enhance Bedroom Safety for Nighttime
Place a lamp or motion light within arm's reach of the bed on both sides. Use bed rails or grab bars if getting in and out of bed is difficult. Keep a clear path from bed to bathroom. Consider a bed exit alarm that alerts caregivers when seniors attempt to get up unassisted during the night.
Kitchen Safety for Daily Living
Install pull-down shelves for heavy pots and pans. Use step-free stools with handholds instead of reaching with chairs. Organize pantry and cabinets so most-used items stay at eye level. Non-slip flooring or mats prevent slips while cooking. Keep a sturdy chair nearby for resting during meal preparation.
BrightStar Care's Home Safety Assessments
BrightStar Care Greenville-Spartanburg-Easley-Piedmont offers complimentary home safety evaluations by our Registered Nurse Director. We identify specific fall risks, recommend modifications, and provide installation assistance. Our caregivers reinforce safety habits and assist with mobility throughout the home.
When Professional Installation Is Needed
Some modifications require licensed professionals. Electrical work for new lighting, grab bar installation into studs, and custom shelving benefit from expert installation. BrightStar Care coordinates with trusted local contractors and ensures seniors remain safe during modifications.
Start with High-Risk Areas: Bathrooms and Stairs
Bathrooms present the biggest danger due to slippery surfaces and hard surfaces. Install grab bars near toilets and in showers, using heavy-duty models anchored into wall studs. Non-slip mats outside tubs and under showers provide extra traction. For stairs, add reflective tape on edge of each step and ensure handrails extend beyond the top and bottom steps.
Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Poor lighting contributes to over 50% of home falls. Replace burnt-out bulbs with LED lights that provide bright, even illumination. Motion-sensor night lights automatically light hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms when seniors get up at night. Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens and above countertops reduces shadows while cooking or taking medication.
Address Common Tripping Hazards
Remove or secure throw rugs, which cause thousands of falls annually. Replace them with non-slip rug anchors if preferred. Clear floor clutter by creating designated storage for electrical cords, pet bowls, laundry baskets, and shoes. Keep frequently used items at waist height to eliminate reaching, bending, or stepping onto footstools.
Choose Safe Furniture and Pathways
Furniture should support safe transfers. Armchairs and sofas at proper heights (seat 18-20 inches from floor) make standing easier. Remove or replace unstable footstools and ottomans. Create 36-inch wide pathways between rooms by rearranging furniture, making navigation safer with walkers or canes.
Enhance Bedroom Safety for Nighttime
Place a lamp or motion light within arm's reach of the bed on both sides. Use bed rails or grab bars if getting in and out of bed is difficult. Keep a clear path from bed to bathroom. Consider a bed exit alarm that alerts caregivers when seniors attempt to get up unassisted during the night.
Kitchen Safety for Daily Living
Install pull-down shelves for heavy pots and pans. Use step-free stools with handholds instead of reaching with chairs. Organize pantry and cabinets so most-used items stay at eye level. Non-slip flooring or mats prevent slips while cooking. Keep a sturdy chair nearby for resting during meal preparation.
BrightStar Care's Home Safety Assessments
BrightStar Care Greenville-Spartanburg-Easley-Piedmont offers complimentary home safety evaluations by our Registered Nurse Director. We identify specific fall risks, recommend modifications, and provide installation assistance. Our caregivers reinforce safety habits and assist with mobility throughout the home.
When Professional Installation Is Needed
Some modifications require licensed professionals. Electrical work for new lighting, grab bar installation into studs, and custom shelving benefit from expert installation. BrightStar Care coordinates with trusted local contractors and ensures seniors remain safe during modifications.