21 Fall Prevention Travel Tips You Haven't Heard About Yet

Does the fear of a fall or injury keep you or a family member from enjoying traveling to its fullest?

Do crowded places like airports and shopping malls seem more like endurance tests than exciting outings? 

A trip to a new place, be it the local farmer's market or another country, should be an exciting time of family, friends, and fun—not worry!

If anxiety about safety while traveling is preventing you or a loved one from participating in all life has to offer, consider these practical and helpful tips. 

An ounce of prevention

Preventing falls while out and about is a lot more challenging than doing so in the home. After all, in your home or that of a loved one, you can control the surroundings.

At home, you can move furniture, secure items, and provide physical supports that can be used to improve stability and balance and reduce the chances of a fall.

But once you leave home, it’s a different story. The precautions you take will have to work around other people’s needs, especially in public places like airports or train stations and on public vehicles.

However, just because you or a loved one are at greater risk for falling these days doesn’t mean you should be stuck at home.

It will require a bit of pre-planning on your part, but it is possible to keep someone safe and prevent falls while traveling or visiting others.

Follow these useful tips to stay social and safe, no matter where your adventures take you. 

At friends’ or family’s homes

While you may not have the opportunity to “fall-proof” a friend’s or relative’s home, there are precautions you can take to minimize the risk of falling. 

• Wear non-skid shoes to more easily navigate wet or slippery surfaces.

• Bring any necessary balance aids with you (canes, walkers, rollators, etc.).

• Take someone else along with you for assistance, if necessary.

• Visit during the day, when visibility is better.

• Have food, drink, medicine, and other personal essentials brought to you or your loved one, so there’s no need to carry additional items.

• Before visiting friends and family, ask them to make sure routes to the bathroom are well-lit and clear of clutter, rugs, and other hindrances (and bring a small flashlight with you if you think visibility may become a problem).

• Avoid rooms with slippery tile or waxed floors, if possible.

To achieve optimal safety, your best bet is to have someone who lives in the home you’re visiting accompany you from room to room.

They are familiar with the obstacles you will encounter, and can be your "advance guard" in preventing trips and falls!

Getting in and out of cars

A lot of this depends on how you get in and out of a vehicle. 

• Step down, not out. This method of leaving a vehicle is used by professional drivers, and for good reason! Many people tend to place one foot and then the other on the ground when exiting a car. Instead, swing both legs out. Instead, place both feet flat on the ground. Grab onto the door frame to help support yourself to a standing position. In this way, you have three points of contact – two feet, and one hand.

• Look for any hazards before you attempt to stand. Take note of ice, uneven ground, or any other obstacle in your path. Use some sort of gripper or stabilizer when walking on ice or snow.

• When getting into a car, do so backside first. Then, swing your legs inside and place both feet inside the car.

Public ground transportation

Buses can be hazardous due to crowds, lack of physical support, and balance-related challenges. Here are a few tips for staying safe. 

• Look for handrails to keep you steady getting on and off. Ask for assistance if you need it.

• Ask the driver to wait until you are seated before moving.

• Choose a seat near the front of the bus, or near the door on a subway train. A travel seat that helps with standing up is a unique way to make bus travel more pleasant and safe.

• Even when sitting, sudden stops could make you lose your balance. Hold on to a handrail at all times. 

• Look out for other people’s bags and other items in the aisles.

Airports and Airplanes

Airports are large, often confusing, and notorious for their long lines. You’ll need to plan ahead in order to avoid the fatigue that could ultimately lead to a fall.

• Stay seated. Even if you or your loved one don’t normally use a wheelchair, you may want to consider using one at the airport. If you are a frequent traveler, consider purchasing a compact, light-weight transport chair to take with you. 

• Most airlines have free concierge services that will pick someone up at curbside and transport them through the airport, eliminating the need to walk at all. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of this! 

• All airlines offer early boarding for elderly passengers. This helps prevent jostling in a crowded line, and reduces the risk of a fall.

• As far as boarding, look into getting into the TSA "pre-check” program" (must be done each time you fly). This allows expedited check-in through security and less time on your feet.

• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes - preferably with low or no heel. Even a small heel can make a sprained ankle more likely when walking a lot or in a hurry.

With a little forward-thinking, you can make travel outside your home a whole lot safer. And the less worried you are about falls and injuries, the more enjoyable your travels will be - for you, and for your loved one!

For more helpful articles like this one, be sure to check out Caregiver University, the internet's #1 source of caregiving tips and tricks.