Preventing nighttime falls is a top priority when it comes to keeping your senior parent safe at home. One of the biggest risks seniors face, especially those living alone, is falling, and these accidents are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. A serious fall, like one that results in a broken bone, can take months to heal and significantly impact their quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to take proactive steps to minimize the risk of falls—particularly at night.
While it’s impossible to completely fall-proof your parent’s home, personal care services can play a vital role in reducing risks. Nighttime is a common time for falls because seniors are often alone, tired, and disoriented. Poor lighting and clutter can also increase the chance of tripping.
Thankfully, there are many ways, in addition to personal care, to make your parent’s home safer, ensuring they have the support they need to stay steady and secure at night.
Get Personal Care At Home
If your mom or dad has personal care, a caregiver can help them with tasks that could cause your mom or dad to fall, like getting in and out of bed, getting to the bathroom, or getting undressed at night.
Personal care is specialty care for seniors that is focused on helping your mom or dad with tasks like brushing their teeth, showering, using the bathroom, and safely getting in and out of bed.
Install Better Lighting
Good lighting is essential for preventing falls at night. Your mom or dad may struggle to see clearly in dimly lit areas, increasing the risk of tripping or misjudging their steps. Install nightlights in key areas, such as the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom.
Motion-activated lights are a great option because they turn on automatically when your parent moves, saving them from fumbling for a switch. Ensure bedside lamps are easy to reach so your parent can turn on a light before getting out of bed.
Remove Clutter and Hazards
Clutter and tripping hazards are common causes of falls, especially at night when visibility is lower. Clear pathways to the bathroom, bed, and other frequently used areas.
Remove loose rugs, cords, or furniture that may obstruct walking. Consider installing non-slip mats in areas like the bathroom or next to the bed. Keeping the home tidy and free of unnecessary obstacles will significantly reduce the chances of nighttime falls.
Make Sure Your Senior Parent Has Supportive Footwear or Socks
Walking barefoot or in loose-fitting slippers can increase the likelihood of slipping or tripping. Make sure that your mom or dad has sturdy, non-slip socks or well-fitted slippers with sturdy soles to wear around the house, even at night.
Non-slip socks have grippy bottoms that provide extra traction on smooth floors. If your parent prefers slippers, make sure they are comfortable and designed with anti-skid soles for safety.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails
Having stable surfaces to hold onto can make a big difference in preventing falls. Install grab bars near the bed, along hallways, and in the bathroom, particularly around the toilet and shower. These bars provide extra stability and make it easier for your parent to move around at night.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care in Beacon Falls, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of New Haven, CT, today. Call (203) 538-6273
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford, CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in New Haven, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, Woodbridge, and Woodmont and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
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