Better Lighting for Seniors Reduces Fall Risk

Good lighting in the right places reduces senior falls

One of the top ways to prevent falls in older adults is to make sure that their living space is always well-lit.  Being able to see clearly helps seniors maintain balance and avoid obstacles.

Updating lighting in key locations is a quick and inexpensive way to reduce fall risk and help seniors stay independent.

Wireless motion sensing lights

Sometimes seniors don’t remember to turn on the lights or feel they don’t need them. Removing the need to turn on the lights is a great way to make sure rooms, stairs, and hallways are always bright enough.

These wireless, stick-on, motion-sensing lights make it easy and quick to automatically light up dim areas like stairs, long hallways, or deep closets. They could also be used as a night light on a bedside table.

You won’t be restricted to places with a nearby outlet and there are no wires to create tripping hazards.

Here are two options with good customer reviews:

• Mr. Beams Battery-Powered Motion-Sensing LED Stick-Anywhere Nightlight
• OxyLED Stick-on Anywhere Portable 10-LED Wireless Motion Sensing Light Bar

DailyCaring tip: For easy removal, use Command Mounting Strips instead of regular foam tape to attach the lights.

Touch lamps

Arthritis and loss of finger flexibility and strength can make it difficult to turn regular lamp knobs. Seniors are more likely to use proper lighting if it’s easier for them to turn lamps on.

DailyCaring tip: Some customer reviews say that, with the plug adapter, the light could sometimes turn on by itself because of (normal) minor power surges. Using a power surge protector strip instead of plugging directly into the wall socket seems to help.

Automatic night lights

Regular night lights that plug into wall outlets are a great choice for bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These automatic LED night lights are small, low-maintenance, and bright.

Check bulbs and batteries

These lights are easy to install, but it’s important to check batteries and bulbs every couple of months to make sure everything is still working.

DailyCaring tip: Add a recurring reminder to your calendar. That way, you won’t have to try to keep these tasks in your head.

Bottom line

These lights might use some extra electricity and batteries, but improved lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce your senior’s risk of falling.

The “cost” of a fall, both to your senior and to you, is HUGE compared to the actual cost of maintaining a well-lit living space.

Image: STUFF

You might also like:
— Home Safety for Seniors: 10 Quick Fixes for Bathroom, Bedroom, and Kitchen
— Declutter Your Older Adult’s Living Space
— Bathroom Safety for Older Adults: Grab Bars and More!

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.