Home Safety - Preventing Falls



Stairs

 

• Install and maintain sturdy hand rails on both sides of the stairs.
• Remove clutter.
• Increase the wattage of lighting by the steps.
• Mark the bottom and top of the steps with a brightly colored strip of tape.
• Securely fasten the carpet to the steps.
• Place non-slip strips on steps.
• Place light switches at top and bottom of stairs.
• Apply vertical grab handles on door frame at the top step.

 

Floors

 

• Do not use throw rugs.
• Use only non-slip rugs, especially at the sinks and in doorways.
• Attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
• Use only nonskid wax on the floors.

 

Bathroom

 

• Install safety grab bars in the shower, tub, and around the toilet.
• Use a night-light in the bathroom.
• Bathtubs and shower stalls should have nonskid surfaces.
• Use a raised toilet seat.
• Use a bath seat with a back.
• Use a hand-held shower with your bath seat.

 

Bedroom

 

• Use a night light in the bedroom and the hallway leading to the bathroom.
• Have a light within easy reach of the bed.
• Have a flashlight near the bed in case of an emergency.

 

Footwear

 

• Wear low-heeled shoes with good support and thin, hard, nonskid soles.  Do not wear thick treaded shoes indoors.
• Avoid backless bedroom slippers or sandals, crepe soles, and high heels.
• Use nonskid “grippers” on your shoes or boots when you are walking on ice and snow (Yaktrax).

 

Traffic Paths

 

• Keep all electrical cords away from the walk ways.
• Remove any low-level tables, furniture with sharp edges or glass panels, and furniture that may tip over or move if used for support.
• Tack down all the carpet edges.
• Remove all the clutter from the floor.

 

Getting Around

 

• If a cane or walker has been recommended, use it to increase your balance.
• When bending over to pick up items from the floor or a lower level like a step or low shelf, use one hand on counter top, furniture or walker for support.  When you can, use a reacher. 
• Use a reacher rather than standing on a stool to get something from above.
• If you must use a safety step stool, use one with wide steps, a nonskid surface on the stops, and a high handle to use as a stabilizer bar.
• Avoid rushing to answer the phone or doorbell.  A portable phone that you can take from room to room with you is a good idea for security and safety.
• Get up slowly from sitting, lying down, or squatting.  If you become dizzy or light headed wait for it to pass before you move.
• Do not attempt to open windows or doors that are stuck or hard to open.
• Arrange items in the kitchen and closets so they can be removed without over reaching or bending.
• Carry a small flashlight and keep it near your bed.

 

Contrast Colors

 

• Do not use colors from the same hues such as blues and purples for contrasts.
• Make sure the color of your furniture does not blend into the carpet. 
• Make sure toilet is a different color than bathroom walls and floors.

 

Personal Care

 

• Have your vision checked yearly.
• Have your medicines reviewed by your health care provider on a routine basis.
• Assess home safety and make needed changes.
• Exercise daily – include both strengthening and balance exercises.

 

References

1.   NIH Senior Health:  National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging and National Library of Medicine 2007. 

 

2.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2007.

 

3.   University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Department of Physical Therapy and Geriatric Falls Clinic.

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6752.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/24/2010

Copyright © 05/24/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6626

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