Falling down can hurt! Many people will have a few scrapes and bruises from falling down when they were younger, generally from the playground. As we grow older and get a better sense of balance, we fall down less - unless you're unluckily blessed with the tendency to be extra clumsy. Teenagers tend to fall down less than children, and adults less than teenagers. However when people get older, their sense of balance deteriorates - and thus fall prevention for seniors is very important. A slip for an elderly person can lead to severe consequences due to being more fragile - this article will talk about how you can prevent seniors from falling down.

Tip #1: Make Getting Around As Easy As Possible...

The first step is making sure that seniors who need it have a cane or even a wheelchair. One should not be proud in this instance; if it is needed, it should be bought and used regularly. As a simple fall can result in a serious injury, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that clothing is comfortable - shoes should be bought carefully (rubber soles are best) so that they don't slip on smooth surfaces. If seniors need to carry a bag, make sure that it is light and all unnecessary things are removed from it. The bag should be small and free of 'junk' so that it is easy to carry.

Tip #2: Most Accidents Happen at Home, But Not Yours Anymore...

The next step is making sure that the place the senior is living in is safe. If there are rugs in the house, make sure there are mats underneath that prevent them from slipping. All areas of the house should be well lit so that seniors can find their way around without struggling. If the house has stairs, install railings and try and reduce the amount of times seniors have to ascend and descend them daily.

Tip #3: Final Details...

The bathroom should also be safe - if the older person needs help bathing, make sure either you or someone else can be around to steady them. If needed, you can even install a bath lift chair to help them bathe easily and comfortably. The bathroom should have mats or rugs and be regularly mopped to make sure that it is not slippery.

And now some final thoughts: Elderly people should also have a way of contacting other members of the family at all times - either a mobile phone or an intercom system should be easily accessible. Remember, a fall cannot be prevented after it has happened, and even a small fall could cause severe damage - so follow the above tips to make your house safe and prevent seniors from falling.