Risks at home

Most people fall at home. This is the place they spend most of their time and paradoxically feel the safest. But it is often our carelessness and lack of caution which causes us to fall. Between a third and a half of falls are actually related to some environmental hazards in and around the house. Often it is a combination of hazards, which causes a person to fall but generally we can say that the more hazards in the home, the higher the risk of falling.

The majority of falls at home happen while carrying out daily activities such as domestic work, maintenance or gardening work or just going up or down steps and stairs, and climbing on ladders and chairs to reach high cupboards.

The risk is even more increased if these activities are carried out in a hurry or if you feel distressed. When we get older our reaction time slows down and we are less likely to extend our arm to save us from a fall.

Most accidental falls that happen at home can be prevented. It is important that you are aware of the potential falls hazards in your flat or house.

There are a lot of small changes, which can be done to your home and garden, often at a low cost - which can help reducing the risk of falling.