A Fall That Changed Everything
It happened so fast. One moment, Mom was getting up in the middle of the night, looking for the bathroom. The next, she was tumbling down the stairs. In the dim light, she had mistaken the stairwell door for the bathroom, which was just across the hall.
We woke up to a crash and the sound of her crying out. Rushing to her side, we found her at the bottom of the steps, shaken and bleeding. Thankfully, she only needed a few stitches and made a full recovery. But the reality hit hard—this could have been so much worse. A broken hip, a head injury, something far more serious.
That night, we realized how much safer her home could have been. A simple adjustment, like floor lighting or clear visual cues, could have prevented the accident. It was a wake-up call, not just for our family but for anyone caring for an aging loved one at home.
Home Should Be a Place of Safety
A home is meant to be a place of comfort, not a source of danger. Yet, for many seniors, small hazards become serious risks. Falls are among the leading causes of injury in older adults. Something as simple as poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or slippery floors can turn a once-familiar home into a dangerous place.
The good news? Many of these risks are preventable.
Safe Living Infographic: Home Safety Tips for Older Adults
Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference
One of the first things we changed in Mom’s home was adding nightlights in the hallway and bathroom. The soft glow made it easy for her to navigate at night. We also installed brighter, motion-sensor lights in key areas to reduce the chances of confusion in the dark.
Another important adjustment was removing tripping hazards. We cleared cluttered walkways, secured rugs with non-slip backing, and moved small furniture that could become obstacles. These small changes made a huge difference in reducing the risk of falls.
In the bathroom, we installed grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. A non-slip mat helped provide extra stability. The addition of a raised toilet seat made it easier for her to stand up safely.
One of the most overlooked but necessary changes was labeling important rooms. Mom had always known where her bathroom was, but as she aged, confusion set in. We placed a simple, easy-to-read sign on the bathroom door, making it clear, even in the middle of the night.
When Extra Support is Needed
Even with home modifications, there comes a time when a little extra help is needed. For many families, the idea of a loved one living alone becomes more stressful than reassuring. That’s where in-home care from FootPrints Home Care makes all the difference.
Having a caregiver check in regularly means someone is always there to assist with mobility, medication reminders, meal preparation, and daily tasks. More than that, it provides peace of mind for families. Knowing that a trained professional is there to ensure safety and well-being can remove so much of the worry.
Helping Families Navigate the Journey
After Mom’s fall, we made her home safer. But we also knew that having extra help would allow her to maintain her independence while keeping her safe. That’s why we turned to FootPrints Home Care. Their compassionate caregivers offer personalized, in-home support that helps seniors live comfortably, with the care they need right at home.
If you’ve been worrying about the safety of an aging loved one, you don’t have to figure it out alone. FootPrints Home Care is here to help. Together, we can create a home that is safe, comfortable, and filled with peace of mind.
📞 Call us today at (505) 828-3918 to learn more about our in-home care services.
💙 Because keeping your loved one safe is what we do best.
