Geriatrician Recommends Home’s Spring Cleaning to Help Prevent Falls in Seniors

Philadelphia, PA, April 21, 2004 -- An 80-year-old man recently visited Claudine Clarke, MD, at her practice with his 50-year-old daughter. The man had fallen in his kitchen the day before. He had some unsightly bruises on his face and body, but, fortunately, no broken bones. His daughter was justifiably concerned since this was his second fall in four months. Naturally, she wanted advice as to how to help prevent future falls.

Dr. Clarke, a geriatrician at Albert Einstein Medical Center, says this scene plays out countless times in her office each year. “Any healthcare professional who works with the elderly is all too aware of the potential for falling,” she says. “Studies show that more than one third of people age 65 years or older have suffered falls, and about one in ten falls results in a serious injury such as a hip fracture or head injury.”

In her own practice, Dr. Clarke works with her patients to help them reduce the risk of falling, and she encourages family members of seniors to do likewise. “Spring is a perfect time to reassess a home to see what changes can be made to make it safer,” she says. “In all likelihood, each room of the house, as well as its exterior, can be improved to make falls less likely.”

Following are Dr. Clarke’s recommendations to make homes safer this spring:

Bathroom: The bathtub or shower should have a non-skid surface, either a mat or decals, as well as a sturdy grab bar. A towel rack or soap dish won’t do as these can be easily pulled off the wall. “Bathmats are a wonderful – and inexpensive – investment,” says Dr. Clarke. They should lie flat and have a non-skid backing. If the senior cannot get on and off the toilet easily, install a grab bar or other assistive device.

Kitchen: Store items that are used regularly in locations within easy reach of the senior, so they do not have to climb to get to them. “A sturdy step stool can be useful, but should only be used in rare instances,” Dr. Clarke warns.

Living room/bedroom: Proper lighting is very important and should be easily accessible. A person should not have to cross a room to turn on a light. In addition, phone, extension or lamp cords should not be stretched across the room where people are likely to walk. Make sure all rugs lie flat.

“Clutter is another big problem for seniors,” reports Dr. Clarke. “Many have the pack-rat mentality that does not allow them to part with anything.” If that’s the case with your relative, it’s time to do a clean sweep – or at least to relocate the clutter so it cannot be tripped over.

Hallway/stairs: Light switches should be located at the top and bottom of stairs. Sturdy handrails should run the entire length of the stairs. Make sure runners and rugs lie flat and stay put when you push them with your foot. Also make sure that the stairs are in good repair.

Home’s entrances: Front and back doors should be well lit, including the walkways leading up to them. Cracks and holes in walkways need to be repaired.

Pets: “I’ve had many patients who have tripped over their beloved pets,” Dr. Clarke says. “I’ve found this is especially likely to happen in the kitchen.” Restrain pets if they cause a potential tripping hazard.

These are just a few recommendations. “Take a look around and see what other conditions might present a tripping hazard in the home,” says Dr. Clarke. Then make the changes that may prevent your relative from falling.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), MossRehab/Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab at Tabor Road, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information, call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

Publish date: April 21, 2004