Assess your environment

The outside world can be a dangerous place, yet about half of all falls happen at home.  To make your place a safe home, try following these guidelines:
•    When using a ladder, have someone hold the bottom; avoid standing on the top rung.
•    Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
•    Avoid small rugs; use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping.
•    Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a stool.
•    Have “grab bars” put in next to your toilet, and in the bath or shower.
•    Use non-slip mats in the bath and on shower floors.
•    Improve the lighting. Elderly people need brighter lights to see well.
•    Have handrails and lights put in on staircases.
•    Wear shoes that give good support and feature non-slip soles.
•    Subscribe to a medical alarm service, so that if you fall and can’t reach a phone, you can summon help.

This page was last updated on 12th November 2012