Home Safety

Safety at Home: Can you spot the Trip Hazards?

A safe home environment is a top priority for us, so we’ve put together some examples of potential hazards that could be hidden or often unanticipated in the home.

Prestige Nursing + Care can provide you with a complimentary in-home evaluation to guide you in the process and ensure that your elderly loved one can stay safely at home.

Contact us for more information

Rug
Although a rug can sometimes help to prevent slipping, it can also be a tripping hazard. Ensure the rug is lying flat and secure the corners to minimise the risk of an accident.Cables
Loose electric cables need to be secured to the side and hidden away where possible. An electric cable tidy box and cable trunking can easily be found at your local hardware or grocery shop and can help with organisation of several cables and ensure they stay put.Clutter
Books, clothing and other items can quickly become a safety concern once they start to pile up on the floor. Keeping the bedroom floor clutter-free is a good preventative measure for keeping older people safe at home.Boxes
Even boxes that are stacked tidily in the hallway can easily become a safety hazard. Try to keep hallways and the floor clear, put things away when possible and perhaps take some time to clear out any items that might not be needed anymore.Toilet
Overtime, the toilet seat may become loose or wobbly, so take the time to check on a regular basis that the toilet is in good condition and will not pose any safety risks to your loved one.Bath
A common issue for older people is decreasing mobility, especially in the bathroom and shower. Before a fall happens, take precautions and get an in-home assessment that takes into account potential fall risk areas. The assessment should provide recommendations on the appropriate tools and aids to put in place to help your loved one to safely bathe or shower.Chair
Chairs get worn down over time and may become unbalanced and no longer suitable for use. Make it a point to check how sturdy the chair is and repair or replace as needed.Stairs
Any items left on the stairs are susceptible to becoming a tripping hazard. To avoid a serious fall, ensure the stairway is clear of any items and ensure that clutter doesn’t build up in and around the area.Washing Basket
Everyday household items such as the washing basket tend to be moved here and there in the house and can pose a safety risk as they are not where they usually tend to be. Make sure that household items are put back in their place or moved to the side to prevent a potential fall.Dog
Pets can be good companions for older people, but make sure any possible precautions are taken to prevent potential falls. Perhaps it’s as simple as cleaning up any clutter in the room, removing objects that could fall easily, or creating a space that is dedicated for the pet within the home.Front Door Step
Quite often, steps that used to be ok become a safety risk for older people in their home. Take precautions to ensure that the step is more visible or remove or lower the step if possible.Wobbly Shelves
Check the stability of the shelf and remove unneeded items where possible. Perhaps the height of the shelf will need to be adjusted to make items on them more accessible.