Conducting a safety audit on your elderly parents' home and removing hazards has been named by a building design service as the best Mother’s Day gift you could give.
Archicentre director, Michael Jones said highlighted that falls in the home can often lead to the loss of independence for older people.
“Injuries sustained in a fall can mean costly home modifications or an inability to return to their home because the injuries are so severe,” he said.
"Family members visiting elderly parents should take a quick check around the home, remove any obvious hazards and ensure the smoke detectors have new batteries installed and are working correctly.
"The danger for older people increases in the winter months with shorter daylight hours, damp slippery pathways and steps, and the increased use of heaters with long electrical cords – a major trip hazard."
Archicentre's tips on fall prevention:
- A flat, accessible site is ideal for older residents who gradually lose mobility or balance and risk injury, whilst attempting to negotiate uneven paving or steps.
- Weather protection between the garage and house will help reduce risks, such as carrying groceries in the rain over wet, slippery surfaces.
- Interior colour schemes with a good contrast helps people with diminishing eyesight identify doors, entrance ways, and changed surface conditions.
- Installing extra power points eliminates the tangle of loose extension cords that can cause unexpected falls.
- Impact-absorbent floor surfaces such as cork reduce potential fall injuries.
- Level entry showers.
- Grab rails in the bathroom for the shower and toilet, and at front and rear steps.
- Replacement of worn, torn or loose floor coverings.
- Reflective or brightly coloured strips on stairs.
- Sensor lights to external areas.
