KITCHEN:
Look at your kitchen and eating area.
•Are the things you use often on high shelves?
Move items in your cabinets. Keep things
you use often on the lower shelves (about waist level).
•Is your step stool unsteady?
If you must use a step stool, get one
with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.
BATHROOMS:
Look at all your bathrooms.
•Is the tub or shower floor slippery?
Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick
strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
•Do you need some support when you get in and out of the
tub or up from the toilet?
Have a carpenter put grab bars inside
the tub and next to the toilet.
BEDROOMS:
Look at all your bedrooms.
•Is the light near the bed hard to reach?
Place a lamp close to the bed where
it’s easy to reach.
•Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?
Put in a night light so you can see
where you’re walking. Some night-lights go on by themselves
after dark.
“I put a lamp on each side of my bed.
Now it’s easy to find the light if I wake up at night.”
Other
Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls
Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves
your balance and coordination. Have your doctor or pharmacist
look at all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines.
Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy. Have your vision
checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can
increase your risk of falling. Get up slowly after you sit or
lie down. Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid
going barefoot or wearing slippers. Improve the lighting in your
home. Put in brighter light bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright
and cost less to use. It’s safest to have uniform lighting
in a room. Add lighting to dark areas. Hang lightweight curtains
or shades to reduce glare. Paint a contrasting color on the top
edge of all steps so you can see the stairs better. For example,
use a light color paint on dark wood.
Other Safety
Tips
Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone. Put a
phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up.
Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case
you fall and can’t get up.
