FALLS AT HOME 

Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2011, nearly 23,000 people over age 65 died and 2.4 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls. 

Falls ore often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. This check list will help you find and fix those hazards in your home. 

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The checklist asks about hazards found in each room of your home. For each hazard, the check list tells you how lo fix the problem. At the end of the checklist, you'll find other tips for preventing falls. 

FLOORS: Look at the floor in each room.

 
Q:When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?

Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

Q:Do you have throw rugs on the floor?

Remove the rugs or use double sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip.

Q:Are the papers, books, magazines, boxes, blankets, or other objects on the floor?

Pick up things that are on the floor always keep objects off the floor.

Q:Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?

Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them. If needed, have on electrician put in another outlet.

Suggestions

• Higher chairs and chairs with solid armrests are easier to get in and out of.
Lower chairs where hips are lower than knees in sitting position are difficult to
get out of.
• Keep walkways clear of telephone and electrical cords.
• Fans and heaters should not be placed in walkways or in the middle of the room.
• Remove loose rugs or apply slip-resistant backing or secure by other means.

Arrange your kitchen so the most frequently used items are easy to reach
(between hip and eye level). Baskets installed inside cupboard doors can provide extra storage space.
• Put rarely used things away - lighter items should be stored up high and heavy items lower down.
• A mobile tray allows you to transport more items with increased safety.
• Counters and tables should be sturdy enough to support your weight if you lean on them.
• Range-hoods, vents or exhaust fans can be installed to provide better ventilation when cooking.
• If possible, install a wall oven with a side opening door, rather than a low oven.
• Use a broad-based, sturdy and secure ladder if it is absolutely necessary to reach high places.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes in the kitchen. Never walk around in socks.

• You are less likely to slip on surfaces such as carpet or slip-resistant tiles. These surfaces are preferable to polished floors which can be very slippery.
• Always wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Some floor surfaces are particularly slippery when wet.
• There are also 'paint-on' non-slip products.
• Remove all loose mats or ensure they are firmly secured and have non-slip underlay.
• Make sure your carpets are In good condition.
• Re-arrange furniture to provide easy access to rooms, entrances and exits.
• Try to avoid extension cords by having extra power switches installed or
re-arranging appliances closer to points.
• Place a bell on your pet's collar so that you always know where It is and place your pet's bed In the laundry. Obedience classes may also be useful.

• It is recommended to use 75-watt globes in all rooms, passageways and stairwells. (Note that some light fittings take a maximum of 60 watts).
• Nightlights are an inexpensive way to provide light to dark passageways
at night.
• Consider installing movement activated or photo-electric lights (sensor lights) to illuminate passageways, or simply leave a light on in the passageway at night. Try coloured lighting if this proves too bright. Fluorescent lights are cheaper to run.
• Have extra lights installed or place lamps in dark areas.
• Reduce glare by placing shades over lights, adjusting window blinds or using pearl light globes.
• In bedrooms, use a bedside lamp as well as overhead lights or have dual switches installed - one beside the bed and one at the entrance to the room.
• Make sure lighting is even. Ageing makes night vision less effective. Allow time for your eyes to adjust when going to and from light and dark areas.

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Suggestions

• Have a light within reach of your bed. Consider a touch lamp or night light. Keep a torch next to your bed at night.
• Keep floors free of clutter in the bedroom.
• Remove or secure loose telephone and electrical cords in the bedroom and out of walkways.
• Consider using a cordless telephone. You need to only have one telephone line and can take the phone with you to bed or outside. (Please remember that they have to be recharged).
• Ensure your spectacles are easy to reach if you need them when you get out of bed.
• A firm mattress provides support. This will make getting into and out of bed easier. Beds should be at a good height for easy movement on or off.
• Get out of bed slowly - sit up before you stand up to prevent dizziness.

• Stairs may need extra lighting.
• Lights which turn on automatically are recommended.
• Handrails on both sides of steps are preferable where possible and ensure that they extend the full length of the stairs or make sure there are handrails on at least one side of all stairways.
• Move frequently used items for easy access to reduce the need for ladders.
• Ensure your stepladder is in good condition. Ladders with handrails are recommended. Have someone with you if it is necessary to use a ladder.
• Paint edges of steps white or yellow to see them better or apply contrasting, non-slip adhesive strips to stair edges. Ensure you have light-coloured,
short-piled carpet if steps are carpeted.

• Arrange your kitchen so the most frequently used items are easy to reach
(between hip and eye level). Baskets installed inside cupboard doors can provide extra storage space.
• Put rarely used things away - lighter items should be stored up high and heavy items lower down.
• A mobile tray allows you to transport more items with increased safety.
• Counters and tables should be sturdy enough to support your weight if you lean on them.
• Range-hoods, vents or exhaust fans can be installed to provide better ventilation when cooking.
• If possible, install a wall oven with a side opening door, rather than a low oven.
• Use a broad-based, sturdy and secure ladder if it is absolutely necessary to reach high places.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes in the kitchen. Never walk around in socks.

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