Are Rugs A Tripping Hazard For Seniors 2017
Lightweight mats in particular are susceptible to being torn by handling or excessive wear.
Are rugs a tripping hazard for seniors 2017. Any mat that does not lie flat against the floor without curls ridges or puckering has the potential to cause a trip incident. And even if you use a non skid rug it still can be a tripping hazard. While they may look nice they do create a tripping hazard and as such can contribute to an increased risk of falling. Throw rugs are one of the most significant tripping hazards among the elderly.
We ve all done it. Furthermore small area rugs at the front door on in the kitchen can cause someone to slip across the floor as the smaller rugs don t have enough weight to hold them down. The first explanation is a bit more fun but we safety folk are more prone to take action on the latter. They have a tendency to bunch up and its easy to trip over them.
Leave clear traffic areas. The best option is to not use them at all. According to the occupational safety and health administration slips trips and falls to the same level are the most common work related injury. But if your balance is compromised in any way a rug presents a greater danger.
While area rugs have many benefits decor and warmth they can be a major tripping hazard for older adults who drag their feet a bit more. Rugs are a tripping hazard. You don t have to be elderly to trip over a rug. If you want to keep the rugs make sure the edges are well secured and move any loose.
However a senior can prevent falls by fall proofing the home. Holes or tears could also trip toddlers who are just learning to walk. A throw rug will bunch up into a lump which makes it easy for a senior to trip over. If you have a rug that is dear to your heart than try to keep it in an area that is not used very often.
Just as the edges of a rug can be hazardous because they create an uneven surface wear and tear or holes within the body of the rug itself could also pose a possible fall hazard for unsteady seniors. It just means that the rug won t move from it. Floor and throw rugs are common in bedrooms. Others say it s about addressing the need to fix a common hazard.
Try positioning your rugs within the room so. 10 fall hazards for older adults how to avoid them 1. Aged worn and improperly placed mats all have the opportunity to present tripping hazards. Most fall related hip fractures among elderly people in a new england study occurred in warm months and indoors with throw rugs a common culprit.
Throw rugs clutter on the floor and in walkways and items on the stairs can all be dangerous trip hazards. The best option would to be not to use them at all. They should be removed from the bedroom and the remainder of the house really thus vastly reducing the number of tripping hazards from the home.