Fall Prevention Safety tips

Every year, one out of every three adults age 65 or older falls. Falls among older adults can cause serious injury or disability, and they are the leading cause of injury death among those 65 and older. Many falls are caused by common hazards in the home that are easy to fix.

Is your loved one at risk for falls? Find out if they have a high risk of falling by completing the Fall Risk Checklist for Caregivers. By answering these 10 questions with yes/no answers, you will have taken the first step in protecting your loved one.

​​​​​​Reduce risk of falls in the home by following these household safety tips:

• Replace low-watt light bulbs with fluorescent or bright white bulbs.
• Wear shoes at home whenever possible. Going barefoot or wearing socks or slippers increases fall risk.

Floors

• Arrange furniture to create a straight path through every room.
• Declutter floors of objects.
• Safely secure wires/cords and area rugs to prevent tripping.

Stairs

• Remove objects stacked on stairs.
• Secure damaged or slippery material on stairs. Attach non-slip safety treads or tape.
• Make sure full-length handrails are firmly attached on both sides of the stairs.
• Ensure stairwell is properly lit with light switches at top and bottom.

Kitchen 

• Rearrange cupboards to keep commonly used items on easy-to-reach shelves.
• Make sure there is a sturdy stepstool available with a bar to hold onto.

Bedroom

• Place an easy to each lamp near the bed.
• Add night lights to light the pathway to the bathroom.

Bathroom 

• Add a non-slip rubber mat or non-skid strips to the shower or tub floor.
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside the tub or shower.