Senior Safety—Reducing Fall Risks After a Move for Seniors
Even a well-planned move can introduce unexpected dangers, especially for older adults. A new home means new furniture layouts, lighting conditions, flooring, and routines—all of which can be disorganized at first. The transition between homes should be taken seriously, as this is often when the most fall-related injuries occur.
Professional settling services are worth considering to help you and your loved one enjoy this transition peacefully. In this blog, the experts at WellRive will share safety tips and room-by-room advice for minimizing those risks. Use our home safety checklist to help ensure your loved one feels comfortable and confident in their new home!
Why Do Seniors Fall After a Move?
When you have been living in the same home for most of your life, you get to know every nook, cranny, hidden corner, and even where each light switch is. A new environment automatically eliminates that muscle memory, so the risk of seniors falling is higher.
Another factor is the physical and emotional stress of the moving process. Moving is exhausting, and when you add the challenge of adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings, fatigue or distraction can compromise home safety for older adults.
Fortunately, at WellRive, we offer move management and senior relocation services that could lessen the stress of a move so your loved ones can focus entirely on adjusting!
Fall Prevention for Seniors—Room-by-Room Home Safety Solutions
The first step to fall prevention is thoughtful space planning. Furniture placement is critical—avoid low coffee tables or ottomans in main walking areas to prevent trips and falls. Good lighting is also essential, especially in transitional spaces like entryways and hallways. The goal is to create wide, well-lit pathways that are easy to navigate.
If furniture layout or clutter feels overwhelming, professional help, such as WellRive’s space planning services, can make the transition smoother. Knowing your house is organized and ready on move-in day reduces stress and helps promote a peaceful start for you and your loved ones.
Below are room-by-room safety tips for areas that tend to pose the most significant fall risks.
How To Make the Bathroom Safe for Seniors
The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous rooms for older adults. The combination of hard, slick surfaces and required mobility increases the chance of slips and falls. To improve safety, install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub, and use non-slip mats or adhesive strips both inside the bathing area and just outside the shower door.
How To Make the Bedroom Safe for Seniors
A new bedroom introduces new pathways taken repeatedly throughout the night. Focus on eliminating hazards between the bed, the bathroom, and the closet. Lighting is an easy fix—use a lamp with a large, easily accessible switch or a motion-sensor nightlight near the floor to illuminate the path to the door.
Another easy fix is managing clutter. Keep floors clear of extra items. Use vertical storage whenever possible, and if you have excess belongings, consider WellRive’s storage services to keep the room tidy. You can also hire professional moving services for extra support.
How To Make the Living Room Safe for Seniors
The living room is the heart of every home, so making sure it’s secure for your loved ones to relax in is essential. Create clear walking lanes that avoid sharp furniture corners and low tables. Secure cables along walls to prevent tripping, and either remove small area rugs or secure them with non-slip backing.
For added peace of mind, consider technology like a fall detection watch for seniors.
How To Make the Kitchen and Dining Area Safe for Seniors
In the kitchen, keep frequently used items in easily reachable lower or eye-level cabinets to avoid the need for step stools or reaching overhead. Make sure the path from the fridge to the sink is entirely clear of rugs, wires from small appliances, and shoes to establish a clear, safe working triangle for daily tasks.
If you want your kitchen or any other room in your house to be comfortable, optimize its storage as much as possible, and improve its safety and accessibility, you can call WellRive for our professional design and organization services. We will design an environment that feels safe and comfortable, always keeping your needs in mind.
Make Every New Home a Safe Home With WellRive
The adjustment period following a move shouldn’t be stressful. At WellRive, we provide comprehensive services to help you and your loved ones navigate the new chapter of your life, always with compassion and understanding.
We work with you every step of the way, focusing on minimizing stress and maximizing safety in the new environment while providing the services you need. Find your local team and call WellRive today for a consultation. We will be happy to give more details!