Home fall risk and safety

Among the elderly, falls from the bed make up a high percentage of falls. In fact, the fall risk in bedrooms is higher than the fall risk in bathrooms.

These falls can result in serious injuries like hairline fractures on the pelvic floor. 

Falls from the bed are common among elderly with dementia and existing injuries. Falls can occur because they lack the ability to get quality sleep.

Below are some causes of elderly falls from the bed:

• Physical struggles
• Restless sleep
• Medication
• Issues with space

Tools for a safe bedroom

There are tools available to help mitigate the fall risk in bedrooms and keep your elderly safe. 

1. Motion sensor light

Eyesight is diminished with age. As the elderly move around the home, they may find it difficult to see in front of them and fall as a result.

Adding motion sensor lights to the bedroom reduces the fall risk because the elderly enjoys proper lighting wherever they are in the room without the need to reach for a light switch.

2. Grab bar

Grab bars are safety devices designed to provide important points of support in high fall risk areas at home.

They allow the elderly to independently navigate the bedroom by providing stable points of support to grab and lean on.

It is important to determine your elderly’s specific needs before getting grab bars self-installed or professionally installed.

2. Bedside railing

Having a bedside railing gives the elderly a stable surface to grip on when they get out of the bed.

It also prevents them from falling off the bed in the middle of the night.