How To Avoid Falls By Elder Proofing A Basement

Falls are a common hazard for older adults and can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and even death. One area of the home that can be particularly dangerous for falls is the basement. Basements can be cluttered, dark, and have uneven surfaces, making them a prime location for falls to occur. However, there are steps that you can take to elder proof your basement and help prevent falls from happening.

Keep the basement clutter-free

Keeping the basement clutter-free is an important step in elder proofing the space and reducing the risk of falls. A cluttered basement can be a tripping hazard, especially for older adults who may have decreased balance and mobility. It is important to regularly declutter the basement and keep items neatly organized and out of walkways.

Here are a few tips for keeping the basement clutter-free:

1. Set aside dedicated storage areas for items that are not used frequently. This can help keep the space organized and free of clutter.
2. Consider installing shelving or storage cabinets to help keep items off the floor and out of the way.
3. Donate or dispose of items that are no longer needed. This can help free up space and reduce clutter.
4. Use bins and baskets to store smaller items and keep them organized.
5. Regularly go through the basement and remove any items that are no longer needed or used.

Add lighting

Poor lighting is one of the key factors that can contribute to falls in the basement. It can be difficult to see potential tripping hazards when the lighting is poor, and this can increase the risk of falls. To help prevent falls, it is important to make sure the basement has adequate lighting. Here are a few tips for adding lighting to the basement:

1. Install additional light fixtures: Consider adding floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces to help improve lighting in the basement.
2. Use LED bulbs: LED bulbs provide bright, energy-efficient lighting and are a good choice for basements.
3. Install motion sensor lights: Motion sensor lights can be particularly helpful in the basement as they will turn on automatically when someone enters the room, making it easier to see potential tripping hazards.
4. Use light-colored paint on the walls: Light-colored paint can help reflect light and make the basement feel brighter and more welcoming.

Repair any uneven surfaces

Uneven surfaces in the basement can be a major tripping hazard for older adults and can increase the risk of falls. It is important to repair any uneven surfaces and take steps to make the basement as safe as possible for older adults.

One of the first steps in removing uneven surfaces is to identify any areas of the basement that may be a tripping hazard. This could include uneven flooring, steps that are not even, or raised edges on the floor. Once these areas have been identified, it is important to take steps to repair or address them to help reduce the risk of falls.

There are several ways to remove uneven surfaces in the basement:

1. Repair uneven flooring: If the floor is uneven, it may be necessary to remove and replace the flooring or to use self-leveling compound to smooth out the surface.
2. Install non-slip mats or tape: Non-slip mats or tape can help provide additional grip and stability on uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of falls.
3. Add carpeting: Carpeting can help to cushion the floor and provide additional grip, making it easier to navigate the basement safely.
4. Repair steps: If the basement has steps, make sure they are even and in good repair. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to the steps to help provide additional grip and stability.
5. Use rugs with non-slip backing: Area rugs can add warmth and comfort to the basement, but it is important to use rugs with non-slip backing to help prevent slips and falls.

Install handrails

Handrails provide support and help improve balance, especially when navigating stairs. If your basement has stairs, it is important to make sure there are handrails on both sides and that they are securely mounted. Here are a few tips for installing handrails in a basement:

1. Choose handrails that are the right height: Handrails should be mounted at a height of 34 to 38 inches above the steps. This allows people to comfortably grip the rail while ascending or descending the stairs.
2. Use sturdy materials: Choose handrails that are made of sturdy materials such as wood, metal, or composite materials. Avoid using handrails made of materials that may break easily or become slippery when wet.
3. Securely mount the handrails: Handrails should be securely mounted to the wall or banister using screws or bolts. It is important to make sure the handrails are properly secured to prevent them from coming loose or breaking.
4. Use non-slip grip tape: Consider adding non-slip grip tape to the handrails to provide additional grip and stability.

Remove tripping hazards

Tripping hazards in the basement can pose a serious risk of falls for older adults. It is important to regularly check the basement for tripping hazards and take steps to remove them to help reduce the risk of falls.

Here are a few common tripping hazards in the basement and steps you can take to remove them:

1. Cords and wires: Cords and wires that are left lying on the floor can be a tripping hazard. To remove this hazard, consider using cord covers or tucking cords and wires out of the way.
2. Loose rugs: Loose rugs can easily be tripped over. To remove this hazard, consider using non-slip mats or tape under the rugs to help keep them in place, or remove the rugs altogether.
3. Other objects: Other objects that may be left lying on the floor, such as toys, tools, or boxes, can also be tripping hazards. It is important to regularly pick up and put away any objects that are not being used to help reduce the risk of falls.
4. Stairs without handrails: If the basement has stairs, it is important to make sure there are handrails on both sides to provide support and help prevent falls.
5. Uneven surfaces: Uneven surfaces, such as uneven flooring or steps, can be a tripping hazard. It is important to repair any uneven surfaces and consider adding non-slip mats or tape to help prevent slips and falls.
6. Poor lighting: Poor lighting can make it difficult to see potential tripping hazards and can increase the risk of falls. Make sure the basement has adequate lighting and consider adding additional lighting, such as floor lamps or night lights, to help improve visibility.
7. Clutter: A cluttered basement can be a tripping hazard, especially for older adults who may have decreased balance and mobility. Regularly declutter the basement and keep items neatly organized and out of walkways.
8. Slip-and-fall hazards: Wet or slippery surfaces, such as leaky pipes or spills, can be a slip-and-fall hazard. It is important to promptly clean up any spills and repair any leaky pipes to help reduce the risk of falls.

By following these steps, you can help elder proof your basement and reduce the risk of falls. While it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of falls, taking these precautions can help keep your loved ones safe and prevent serious injuries.