Rental Stairlifts’ advice to reduce the risk of falling

Falls in the home are very common amongst the elderly. But many falls could be prevented. Older people may hide their falls as they are frightened of interference from social services which could lead to losing their independence. But if you take some simple steps, much pain, hospitalisation and injury could be avoided.

1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fall every year – usually in the winter months. According to Age UK, falling once increases your chances of falling again.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person is exposed to, the higher their risk of falling. You can prevent the risk of falling by taking doing a simple home safety test to establish the risks:

• Get rid of trailing cables, trip hazards and loose mats
• Make sure your home has no broken or uneven steps
• Don't wear old, worn out or loosely fitting slippers
• Make sure the lighting in your home is adequate, especially in hallways and on stairways
• Don't use a stool to change a light bulb or take down curtains – use a stepladder or employ a handyman
• Put up handrails in the bathroom
• Use a shower seat or a non-slip bath mat
• Think about taking regular exercise if possible
• Review any medication with your GP. Older people usually take more than one medication which can increase the risk of falls due to the side effects of drugs. Visit your GP or local pharmacist for a medication review which should ideally be every six months.
• Install a stairlift if you become dizzy or have breathing difficulties or find it difficult when climbing the stairs
• Have your eyes checked on regular basis to make sure there are no problems with your eyesight. Anyone over 60 is entitled to a free NHS funded eye sight test at their local optician.
• Install a reliable fire alarm. You can request a free home fire safety check and smoke alarm from the local fire brigade. They will come to your home and advise you about exit routes in the event of fire and will fit a free smoke alarm if necessary.

Although outdoor stairlifts can withstand harsh winter weather, they are still built with your comfort in mind. They have a soft-padded waterproof seat and backrest so you travel in comfort in all kinds of weather. And you can opt for a heavy-duty motor, which can carry up to 160kg/25st.

So, don't fall victim to icy stairs this winter - contact Rental Stairlifts on today to find out what steps to take to have a lift installed outside your house.

If you're going out, wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls. Only go out if absolutely necessary when it’s icy or snowing outside. And if you have steps outside the house, think about installing an outdoor stairlift.

Making sure you eat properly is also crucial to staying well. Food is a vital source of energy which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks throughout the day. A warm bowlful of porridge is an excellent way to start a winter’s day. Porridge oats boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre, give you energy, help you feel fuller for longer and contain lots of essential vitamins and minerals.

According to official government figures, there were 27% more deaths during the winter months of 2014/15 than for the rest of the year, most of them among the 75+ age group. Many of those could have been avoided by taking the right measures to keep warm and stay well.

Please exercise common sense when considering the tips above and whether to take any of the steps that may be suggested in it. Whilst we have taken reasonable care to ensure that any information is accurate and complete, most of the information in this guide is based on our views and opinions. As a result, we cannot make any promises about the accuracy or the completeness of the information and we don't accept any responsibility for the results of your reliance on it.

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