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3 Ways to Prevent Tripping Hazards in the Home for Seniors

Writer's picture: Fritzi Gros-DaillonFritzi Gros-Daillon

Tripping hazards in the home can be a real danger for seniors, leading to serious injury. Whether it’s a slippery bathroom floor or a throw rug that causes them to stumble, it’s important that we take steps to make our homes as safe as possible. Here are 3 tips on how to prevent tripping hazards in your home and keep your senior family members safe.


Lamp

1. Good Lighting is Essential

Good lighting is essential if you want to reduce the risk of tripping hazards. Place nightlights throughout your house so that any dark areas are illuminated. If your senior family member uses a cane or walker, they should be able to see where they're going without having to turn on extra lights. You should also consider installing brighter lights near stairs or other areas where extra visibility is needed.

Cluttered room

2. Remove Clutter from High-Traffic Areas

Clutter can be a major source of tripping hazards in the home, so it's important that you keep high traffic areas free from items such as toys, books, and clothes. That way, your senior family member won't accidentally trip over something when they're walking through the room. Be sure to move any furniture out of the way too - even if it's just an inch or two - as this will give them more space to move around safely.


Throw rugs

3. Secure Throw Rugs & Carpets

Secure any carpets or throw rugs with double-sided tape or non-slip mats so they don't slip out from underfoot and cause someone to trip over them. You should also have any loose carpet edges professionally repaired - these can easily become tripping hazards and should not be ignored! Finally, make sure all carpets are vacuumed regularly so dirt and dust don't accumulate and create an unsightly, and potentially dangerous, mess.


Tripping hazards are a real danger for seniors living at home - but with careful planning and attention, you can reduce their risk of falling and suffering an injury. Make sure good lighting is provided throughout the house, remove clutter from high-traffic areas, secure carpets and throw rugs properly, and repair any loose carpet edges immediately so there's no chance of someone slipping on them. By taking these simple steps you'll make your home much safer for your senior family members!


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