The American Geriatric Society (AGS) states that falling is a leading cause of serious injury and death among the elderly. The AGS reports that most of these falls are occuring in the homes of these elderly people.
“There are many steps people can take to make their home safer for those who are aging. Something as small as using a night light in a dark hallway can prevent an elderly person from falling during the night,” Dr. Cheryl Phillips, a member of the AGS, said in a news release. “Falls are so dangerous to this particular population, and there are easy ways to help avoid them.”
Here are a few safety suggestions the elderly should follow in order to prevent injury and death from falls:
Wear shoes with non-skid soles around the house. Socks can cause you to slip and fall.
For areas of your home that are dimly lit, use night lights.
Install hand rails near any stairs in the home or backyard.