Household Safety

The Basics

Make Falls Less Likely

From the time we take our first step, we've experienced our first fall. With time, skinned knees and elbows were part of growing up. However, as we age falling becomes more problematic. A fall can result in a broken bone, head injury, or a long, painful hospital and recovery phase.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

We must accept that falls are part of life. And encourage our aging family and friends to do the following.

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• Keep active. Strong leg muscles and exercises that enhance balance may lessen unnecessary falls.
• Medications and the combination of medications may make you dizzy or sleepy. Ask your doctor to review all your medications for side effects or drug interactions.
• Optimizing your vision. Have you had an eye exam in the last year? Wearing old glasses with an outdated prescription? Poor vision makes everything harder, especially seeing the curb or steps.
• Hazards at home. Half of all falls happen at home. Read on for more tips for home safety.

Fall Risks

Each year, hospitalizations due to falls account for approximately 85% of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

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Are you or your loved one a fall risk?

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Here are some tips to help minimize falls; remember no one and no device can "prevent" falls, but these tips may help reduce the chances.

AVOID SLIP HAZARDS

• Repair any leaky plumbing.
• Mop up spills immediately.
• Install non-slip mats in the kitchen and shower/bathtub.
• Install grab bars by the shower and toilets.
• Install sturdy handrails or stair rails in staircases.
• Wear shoes or slippers with non-slip or rubber soles.
• Wear a pendant to call for help.
  

Bathroom Safety

Almost one-third of adults aged 65 and above who were injured in bathrooms were diagnosed with fractures. Among adults aged 85 and older, 38 percent were hospitalized as a result of their injuries, reported the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

STEPS FOR SAFETY IN THE BATHROOM

• Add non-slip mats or surfaces inside and out of the tub or shower. 
• Install grab bars by the bathtub, shower, and toilet.
• Raised toilet seat or secured toilet seat with armrests.
• Sturdy shower chair with non-slip contact to the floor.
• Install mounted soap and shampoo dispensers.
• Easy access to towel racks.
  

Clear the Clutter

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and bills may start to pile up in towers or spread across the floor and are slippery and impede manageable walkways. Clutter creates fall hazards.

NOTHING ON THE FLOOR

• Items on the floor go into a drawer, on a countertop, or stored on a shelf. 
• Area rugs are securely taped to the edges of the floor with double-sided tape found at hardware stores.
• Rearrange furniture for open walkways.
• TV, electrical, phone, or extension chords are not in the walkway.
• Encourage the use of a walker or cane to safely navigate through the home, not "furniture surfing." This means using the furniture as an instrument to help you navigate across the room.
  

Lighting

Many people experience diminished eyesight as they age. Whether it is Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, or Diabetic Retinopathy, poor eyesight can lead to stumbles and falls.

TURN UP THE WATTAGE