Home Safety
To reduce the risk of falling in the home, see the following recommendations:
In the Kitchen
- Keep drawers and cupboards closed
- Use a stepladder or step stool rather than a chair to reach objects in overhead cabinets
- Wipe up grease or liquid spills at once
- Set all stored utensils, dry and canned foods at a convenient height
- Use a non-slip mat in the sink area to soak up spilled water
- Arrange clothes in the closest so that they are easy to reach
- Use a nonskid mat or strips on the standing area of the tub or shower
- Install grab bars on the walls of the bathtub and toilet
- Towel bars and the soap dish should not be used as grab bars
- Replace bar soap with liquid soap in plastic pumps
- Use a non-slip mat on the floor where you exit the tub/shower
- Obtain a raised toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet
- Have sufficient, accessible light
- Use a bath bench to eliminate need to stand
- Use a hand-held shower to make bathing easier
- Let the soap suds go down the drain before you move around in the shower. Do not turn suddenly
- Do not lock the bathroom door. That will delay help in reaching you
- Dry off before getting out of the tub
- Replace satiny sheets and comforters with products that are made of non slippery material such as wool
- Wear reading glasses if you need them but remove them before you walk
- Have adequate and accessible lighting available
- Use nightlights and/or bedside lamps for nighttime bathroom trips
- Keep the pathway from the bed to the bathroom clear
- Make sure the bed is of appropriate height to allow for safe transfers
- Make sure you have access to a telephone that you can reach to call for help if you fall
- Consider carrying a portable phone
- Arrange furniture and other objects so they are not in the way
- Couches and chairs at proper height to get into and out of easily
- Use strong chairs with armrests that will provide support during transfers
- Move low-lying objects (coffee tables, step stools, etc.) that may present a tripping hazard
- Position telephones so they are accessible
- Pay attention to the surface you are walking on: be alert for ice, snow, wet or dry leaves, moss-covered stone paths or steps
- Remember to salt icy sidewalks and pathways
- When you get out of a car, test the condition of the ground for wetness or iciness before standing up and walking
- Visually mark step edges to avoid tripping
- Keep steps in good repair
- Always turn on lights before going into a room
- Have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs
- Replace any burned-out bulbs immediately
- Use night-lights in the hallways and bathroom
- Make sure you can safely access lamps and light switches
- Make sure indoor and outdoor walkways are properly lighted
- Have adequate lighting on the stairs
- Carpeting should be securely fastened down
- Remove throw rugs that bunch up or slide, use skid resistant rug
- Keep walkways clear of clutter, especially electrical and telephone cords
- Be alert to pets and children who can pop up in front of or behind you
- Place bright, contrasting colored tape on the top and bottom steps of stairways
- Install and use secure handrails on both sides of the stairways, running their full length
- Place slip resistant material on bare stairs;
- Sit on the edge of the bed after first waking up to reduce potential dizziness before getting out of bed
- Let the phone ring -- don't run to answer it
- Eat breakfast every morning. Skipping a meal may cause dizziness
- Test vision and hearing regularly
- Learn about the side effects of medicines and how they may affect coordination or balance
- Wear footwear with soles and heels that provide good support and traction
- Avoid wearing only socks or smooth-soled shoes or slippers on stairs, wood or waxed floors
- Wear proper fitting clothing. It is easy to trip on a coat, pair of pants or bathrobe that is too long
- Limit your intake of alcohol. Even a little alcohol can disturb already impaired balance and reflexes
- Use caution in getting up too quickly after eating, lying down, or resting
- Maintain a regular program of exercise
- Use a cane or walker to help maintain balance as recommended by your physical therapist
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s “Home Safety Checklist”:
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/CheckListForSafety.htm
What you can do to prevent falls?
Go to Center for Disease Prevention and Control:
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm
Also: See Falls: Prevention Strategies: Falls: Home Safety: Children
Reference: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/Prairie/5309/safety.html
www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact