Fall Prevention Tips for Home Safety

• Remove all small area rugs.

• Tack down ends of large area rugs.

• Remove excess furniture and clutter to keep passagewaysclear and maintain easy
  access for walkers, canes, Wheelchairs.

• Make sure that phone lines and electrical cords are secured away from common pathways.

• Put nightlights in bathrooms, stairs, hallways, bedrooms and other common pathways.

• Place non-slip treads on uncarpeted stairs; make sure any carpeting on stairs is firmly attached.

• Make sure handrails on staircases are secured, preferably on both sides. Stairs should be in good repair.

• In winter, make sure stairs outside are free of ice and are well salted.

• Remove scatter rugs.
• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed. Keep a
  flashlight near the bed.
• Install a bed rail to use for support when transferring in and out of bed.
• Keep a commode by the bed for night time use (if recommended).

• Put a rubber mat in the tub covering the entire length of the tub.  Remove when not in use.
• Put rubber backed mats on the floor.
• Have well located grab bars for support.
• DO NOT USE TOWEL RACK OR SOAP DISHES FOR SUPPORT!
• Use a bath chair or bath transfer bench (appropriate when indicated).
• Use a hand held shower head to facilitate showering when seated.
• Get a raised toilet seat with arms or toilet safety frame.
• Ensure that a walker can get through the bathroom doors without  juggling. Wheels on walkers can be placed on inside of walker when possible

• Remove scatter rugs.
• Make sure often used items, such as dishes, pots, pans, and food are easily accessible.
  Kitchen may have to be reorganized.

• Wear ComfiHips^® Hip Protectors under your clothes during the day and sleep with them on during the night.
• Review your medications with a physician to determine if there are any drugs that interfere
  with vision or balance.
• Get yearly vision check-ups.
• Wear proper, non-skid footwear
• DO NOT walk around with only socks on.
• DO NOT walk on wet surfaces unassisted.
• Make sure trousers, nightgowns and housecoat are not too long to avoid tripping.
• Make sure canes and walkers are in good condition and are the proper height.
• DO NOT get up quickly after lying down or after eating.
• For stairs: to go up - lead with good leg; to go down, lead with weaker leg.
• For chair transfers:

                                 (b) For standing from a chair: push off with BOTH hands on the arm rests. Grab your
                                       walker with one hand at a time.

                                       DO NOT LEAN ON WALKER.

• Sit down when putting on ComfiHips^® Hip Protectors , underwear, trousers, socks or shoes.
• Use long handled Reacher to pick things up from the floor.
• Stay physically active to maintain strength and mobility.
• Purchase a lifeline (Personal Response system).

 It is recommended to have a home safety evaluation by an Occupational Therapist to personalize safety issues based on fall risks within the home.