After a home assessment of an older adult fall risk, which intervention would the nurse suggest?

After a home assessment of an older adult fall risk, which intervention would the nurse suggest?

• A. Secure rugs to prevent movement
• B. Remove excessive pieces of furniture
• C. Wear corrective lenses for distance
• D. Perform exercises to strengthen lower body

Answer: (A)

The main idea is reducing fall risk by making the home environment safer, especially by removing hazards that can cause a stumble. A loose rug is a common hazard that can easily slip or crease underfoot, causing an older adult to trip as they move, stand, or rise from a chair. Securing rugs so they lie flat and cannot shift eliminates that immediate danger, and it’s a straightforward, high-impact change you can implement at home. This is typically done with rug grippers, non-slip backing, or double-sided tape, ensuring edges are smooth and the rug doesn’t bunch or curl. Wearing corrective lenses helps vision, and strengthening exercises improve balance over time, but they don’t fix an unsafe floor surface right away. Removing excess furniture might reduce clutter, yet securing the rug directly tackles the most common tripping hazard found during a home assessment.

The main idea is reducing fall risk by making the home environment safer, especially by removing hazards that can cause a stumble. A loose rug is a common hazard that can easily slip or crease underfoot, causing an older adult to trip as they move, stand, or rise from a chair. Securing rugs so they lie flat and cannot shift eliminates that immediate danger, and it’s a straightforward, high-impact change you can implement at home. This is typically done with rug grippers, non-slip backing, or double-sided tape, ensuring edges are smooth and the rug doesn’t bunch or curl.

Wearing corrective lenses helps vision, and strengthening exercises improve balance over time, but they don’t fix an unsafe floor surface right away. Removing excess furniture might reduce clutter, yet securing the rug directly tackles the most common tripping hazard found during a home assessment.