Have you looked around your living room or bedroom recently? There are many hazards in your own home which may cause a serious accident. Fortunately, with these quick tips, you may be able to re-arrange and remove these hazards, thereby reducing your fall risk.
Top 5 Things to Remember:
1. Remove, Remove, Remove
- Remove anything that will trip you up, such as throw rugs, paper, toys, etc.
- Keep your walkways and stairs clear. Always keep a clear path from your bed to the bathroom.
- Clean up spills immediately.
2. Add, Add, Add
- Make sure to have handrails on the stairs and have them extend beyond the bottom step if possible.
- Consider a raised toilet seat and a shower chair.
- Place additional grab bars near the toilet and in the shower.
3. Make Improvements
- Make sure you have proper lighting in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms. Consider high-wattage light bulbs near the outside doors and stairs.
- Use shades or curtains to reduce glare from windows.
- Consider adding nightlights throughout your home.
- Place flashlights in each room in case of a power outage.
- Immediately replace burned out light bulbs.
4. Take Precautions
- Purchase non-slip mats for the shower.
- Use slip-resistant mats.
- Place most used items within easy reach.
- Keep your phone, lamp and emergency numbers near your bed.
5. Ask for help
- Allow your family to help you with projects such as moving furniture, replacing smoke alarm batteries or replacing light bulbs.
- Obtain professional help for installing grab bars as they may be unsafe if not installed correctly.