Preventing Falls in Seniors: Home Safety Checklist In Stairways, Hallways, and Pathways: • Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and make sure they are tightly fastened. Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while youre on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other. Dont let what youre carrying block your view of the steps. • Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Remember to use the lights! • Keep areas where you walk tidy. Dont leave books, papers, clothes, and shoes on the floor or stairs. • Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor so they wont slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store. • Dont use throw rugs or small area rugs. In Bathrooms and Powder Rooms: • Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower. • Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet. • Remember to turn on night lights. In Your Bedroom: • Put night lights and light switches close to your bed. • Keep your telephone near your bed. In Other Living Areas: • Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths. • Tack down all carpets and large area rugs firmly to the floor. • Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk. • Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of them easily. • Dont walk on newly washed floors—they are slippery. • Keep items you use often within easy reach. • Dont stand on a chair or table to reach something thats too high—use a reach stick instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you. • Dont let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever youre standing or walking. • Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:24:18 +0000
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