Cookstown District Council

Business

Environmental Health

Older People Safety

Safe Homes for Older People

As we get older the risk of having an accident within the home increases. 

Falls are the biggest cause of injury related accidents in older people.

What increases the risk of having an accident?

Research has indicated a wide range of multiple risk factors for falls including:

  • Balance and gait abnormalities Muscle weakness
  • 4+ Medications
  • Poor sight and
  • Previous fall history

Additional factors that can increase risk are:

  • Poor housing
  • Poor lighting
  • Ill fitting shoes
  • Unsafe stairways

Stairs

  • Good lighting is vital, especially on the stairs.  Use low energy light bulbs that are designed to stay on all night.
  • Always switch the light on if you get up at night.
  • Replace worn carpet as it could pose a trip hazard, as can loose mats or rugs
  • Leave your staircase free of clutter. 
  • Fit a second handrail and use it as something steady to hold on to.

Polypharmacy

  • If you are on four or more medications there is a greater risk of having a fall because medicines can be responsible for causing dizziness.
  • Talk to your pharmacist is you are on medication such as anti-depressants, sleeping tablets, heart tablets or blood pressure tablets to ensure that none of   them cause dizziness.
  • Use a pill organiser to make sure you are taking the right tablets at the right times of day.

Eyesight Checks

  • Eyesight can deteriorate with age and is more likely to be affected by cataracts and muscular degeneration.
  • Have eyes tested annually.  Eye tests are free to the over 60s.
  • Bifocals and varifocals have been shown to more than double the risk of the wearer suffering a fall.

Podiatry

  • Foot pain and other foot problems contribute to an increased risk of falling.
  • 80% of older people have one or more foot problems.
  • Wear flat shoes or shoes with thin soles or a built in heel to stay safe on your feet.
  •  Avoid slippers that are loose or have no back, sandals and shoes with high heels.

Exercise

  • Evidence shows that Tai Chi improves balance and reduces the likelihood of falling.
  • Keeping active makes a big difference to older people in terms of balance, gait and bone density and helps to prevent osteoporosis.
  • Use your stairs, go for walks and try tai chi exercises whether in your own living room or as part of a group.