Falls Prevention
Each year, one out of three adults age 65 and older fall and those who fall are two to three times more likely to fall again. Most falls occur in the home and are preventable! Simple changes include:
Inside
Remove clutter and trip hazards … throw away your throw rugs!
Be sure rugs have skid-proof backing or are tacked to the floor
Repair loose, wooden floorboards and damaged carpeting
Install railings on all stairs
Keep stairs in good condition and free of clutter
Add grab bars in the bathroom … yes, they can be pretty!
Use non-skid rubber mats in the tub and shower
Install easy-access light switches
Enjoy good lighting, especially on stairs and where you walk after dark
Use easy to reach bedside lamps and telephones
Sleep in a bed that is easy to get in and out of
Keep a working flashlight at your bedside
Arrange furniture so your pathway is clear
Keep cords out of walkways
Arrange closets and cabinets so your belongings are easy to reach
Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail and wide steps; not a chair to stand on
Clean-up spills as soon as they happen
Outside
Install hand rails on all stairs
Walk on level surfaces, not on uneven terrain
Walk on grass if sidewalks are slippery
Remove shrub or tree roots that create trip hazards
Treat slippery sidewalks with salt or kitty litter
Keep porches, patios, decks and walkways free of leaves, snow and clutter
Enjoy good lighting, especially on stairs and walkways
