Falls can be very dangerous for older adults. Each year, 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. At least 300,000 are hospitalized for hip fractures. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Preventing falls is one of the main things you can do to preserve your independence, and fall safety begins in the home. Here are some tips, provided by Physical Therapist Janene Ostrow, to find and fix fall hazards in your home.
Watch your step
Wear shoes or slippers that are securely fastened to your feet, with traction soles and low heels.
Use your walker or cane in the house as well as outdoors.
Remove clutter from stairs and floors
Move stuff and furniture out of the way so that your path around the house is always clear.
Beware of loose carpet and cables
Coil or tape electrical cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them.
Remove rugs and mats or use double-sided tape or nonslip backing to prevent slipping or tripping.
Make sure the carpets is firmly attached to every step of your stairs. Better yet, remove the carpet and attach nonslip rubber treads to stairs.
Make things more accessible
Keep things you use often on the lower shelves.
If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to.
Never use a chair as a step stool.
Install grab bars next to and inside the bathtub or shower stall and next to the toilet.
Make sure you have handrails on both sides of the stairs, all the way from the top to the bottom.
Get good lighting
Place a lamp close to the bed where it's easy to reach.
Put in a night light if you get up to use the bathroom at night.
Install an overhead light and a light switch at the top and bottom of any stairs.
Ask a friend or family member to change a burned-out light bulb.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
