Falls and Older Adults : Home Safety

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 4 of 7)

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Many falls could be prevented by making simple changes in your living areas, as well as personal and lifestyle changes.

Take steps to "fall proof" your home, both inside and outdoors. To make your home safer, you can

• remove or avoid safety hazards
• improve lighting
• install handrails and grab bars
• move items to make them easier to reach.

An important step toward preventing falls at home is to remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or phone cords, or other things can cause you to fall. Slipping on rugs or slick floors can also cause falls.

Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely. Also remove items from stairs, hallways, and pathways.

Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.

Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower, as well. You can buy these items at a home center or hardware store.

At home and elsewhere, try to avoid wet floors and clean up spills right away. Use only non-skid wax on waxed floors at home.

Be careful when walking outdoors, and avoid going out on ice or snow. A simple slip on a slick sidewalk, a curb, or icy stairs could result in a serious injury.

A cane or walker might make you more stable in bad weather. During the winter, ask someone to spread sand or salt on icy surfaces. Be sure to wear boots with good traction if you must go out when it snows. Better yet, don't take chances walking on icy or slippery surfaces.

Poor lighting - inside and outdoors - can increase your risk of falls. Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, at entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.

Good lighting on stairways is especially important. Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs can help.

Place a lamp within easy reach of your bed. Put night lights in the bathroom, hallways, bedroom, and kitchen. Also keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.

Have handrails installed on both sides of stairs and walkways. If you must carry something while walking up or down stairs, hold the item in one hand and use the handrail with the other. When you're carrying something, be sure you can see where your feet are stepping.

Properly placed grab bars in your tub and shower, and next to the toilet, can help you avoid falls, too. Have grab bars installed, and use them every time you get in and out of the tub or shower. Be sure the grab bars are securely attached to the wall.

You might find it helpful to rearrange often-used items in your home to make them more accessible. Store food boxes, cans, dishes, clothing, and other everyday items within easy reach. This simple change could prevent a fall that might come from standing on a stool to get to an item.

If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These health care providers can assess your home's safety and advise you about making changes to prevent falls.

Quiz

1. More than half of falls happen at work.

FALSE is the correct answer. Six out of every 10 falls happen at home. Many falls could be prevented by "fall proofing" your home, both inside and outdoors.

2. Carpets and rugs should be secured to floors and stairs.

TRUE is the correct answer. To prevent falls, be sure that carpets and rugs are secured to floors and stairs. Remove throw rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape. Non-slip strips on floors and steps can also help.

3. Good lighting helps prevent falls.

TRUE is the correct answer. Be sure to have good lighting in each room, at stairways and entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs with the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.

4. Handrails and grab bars help prevent falls.

TRUE is the correct answer. Handrails on both sides of stairways and walkways can help prevent falls. Grab bars in the tub and shower, and next to the toilet, are also recommended.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.