Proper Lighting for Fall Prevention
Falls are not a part of the normal aging process, but chances of falling in a dimly lit home are 2-4 times greater than a home that's well lit. The proper amount of lighting for older adults is 2-3 times greater than the amount of lighting for younger adults. Whether you have normal aging vision or a visual impairment, falls can be prevented by improving the quality, quantity and source of your lighting.
Lamps
Table lamps provide ambulatory lighting and should be 22-30” tall with fabric shades for glare prevention. Swing arm lamps provide task lighting for detailed work. Torchieres (or uplight floor lamps) create reflected ceiling light that eliminates dark corners and shadows. Indirect ambient lighting is balanced, even and estful on the eyes. Ample outlets should be provided to minimize wiring.
Bulbs
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) are the most popular energy efficient light bulbs utilizing the same sockets as incandescent bulbs. If your vision is low, consider “full spectrum” CFL bulbs that are truer to natural day light. Contrast and clarity are increased while glare is reduced. If you are sensitive to light, fluorescent bulbs may be stressful on your eyes and visual distortions may occur (fluorescent bulbs produce a spectral band that can be distracting to older adults). LED and halogen lights have a less diffuse light and a more appropriate spectral band. CFL bulbs, LEDs and halogen bulbs can be purchased at local home stores or grocery stores. For a better understanding of CFL bulbs, go to www.energystar.gov.
Bedroom
A charged flashlight plugged permanently into the wall near your bed provides safety during emergencies. Its built-in nightlight makes it visible in the dark. Lighted switch plates and motion sensor lighting lead you safely from the bedroom to the bathroom. A table lamp with a switch on the base allows easy access from the bed. Closet doorjamb switches provide instant light when closet doors are opened.
Bathroom
Bathrooms require a great deal of balanced lighting for safety and function. Recessed down lights inside the shower or above the bathtub provide safety while bathing. Motion sensor nightlights and light-activated medicine cabinets help prevent falls during the night. Wall sconces with covered bulbs prevent glare from a seated position.
Kitchen
Kitchens require a consistent level of lighting for safety and efficiency. Multiple windows provide excellent lighting by day, but if left uncovered, windows will darken a room by night. Chances of falling will increase as shadows and dark corners prevail. To maintain a consistent level of lighting from day into night, roll shades on the windows will reflect light back into the room. The same shades will control glare during the day . But not all reflections are equal. Sun glaring off shiny floors and lights reflecting from polished countertops may temporarily disorient older adults and falls may occur. Thoughtful finish selection must be provided.
Stairs Stairs are the number one cause of falls in a home and must be evenly lit. 3-way light switches at the top and bottom landings assure available lighting at all times. Wall sconces allow easier exchange of burned out bulbs (never locate light fixtures directly above the stairs). A skylight or solar tube can provide balanced lighting during the day with additional lighting at nighttime. LED strip lighting can be located on the nosing of stair treads or glow-in-the-dark tape can be placed on the top and bottom landings.
Glare / Windows
Aging eyes adapt slower to sharp changes in light levels, and falls can occur when going from dimly lit rooms to brighter ones. Solar tubes and skylights are good solutions for windowless rooms (bathrooms, hallways and laundry rooms) eliminating sharp changes in light levels as you travel from room to room. Visual perception is distorted by glare and can result in falls from momentary blindness. Window treatments and tinted film eliminate sun reflection on shiny floors. Wall fixtures with light directed upwards protect seated users from glare. Lampshades remove bare bulbs from the line of vision. A window wall painted a light color softens the piercing pinhole effect of glare from a window.
Exterior Lighting
Safety and fall prevention are primary concerns for exterior lighting. Glare-free motion sensor lighting should be located at all entries into your home. Recessed porch lights and sky-darkening fixtures prevent night sky pollution and soften glare on passing vehicles. A flashing GE Emergency Porch Light directs first responders to your home during times of emergency and alerts neighbors for assistance (this is a normal light fixture that flashes when the light switch is placed in the middle position).
So you now have some basic information about proper lighting in your home, and most solutions are relatively simple and inexpensive. Your next step is to review your home for safety and prepare a plan of action (light bulbs and table lamps being the best place to begin).
Just remember: falls are not a part of normal aging and they can be avoided.
