Preventing Falls at Home

Introduction

The following are some tips to prevent falls and its complications in your home.

Keeping the floors, stairs, and steps in your home safe:

• Arrange furniture so you always have a clear path to walk through any room.

• Remove throw rugs or at the very least, use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing to prevent rugs from slipping.

• Replace loose or torn carpeting, making sure it’s firmly attached to all steps. You can also use non-slip rubber treads on stairs.

• Keep floors and stairs clear at all times. Don't use throw rugs or small area rugs.

• Make sure you don’t have to step over wires or cords (like telephone or extension cords). If necessary, hire an electrician to solve the problem.

• Install an overhead light and light switches at the top and bottom of any stairs.

• Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and make sure they are tightly fastened. Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you're on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other. Don't let what you're carrying block your view of the steps.

• Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Remember to use the lights!

Keeping your bedroom safe and facilitating dressing:

• Add a lamp that you can turn on from the bed easily.

• Plug in a night-light so you can see where you’re walking, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

• Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.

• Keep your telephone near your bed.

• Consider adding adult portable bed rails for help getting in or out of bed, or for support when changing positions.

• Use a zipper puller/buttoner to manage zippers and buttons, a dressing stick to help you put on and take off clothes, a sock puller to slip on socks more easily, and a long-handled shoe horn to get into your shoes without bending over.

• Ask your doctor about arthritis gloves. They may ease pain and stiffness and allow you to do more work with your hands.

Keeping your kitchen safe and simple to use:

• Avoid using a chair as a stepstool. Instead, get a stepstool with a bar to hold on to.

• Rearrange your cabinets so that the things you use regularly are on lower shelves, about waist level.

• Open lids more easily with rubberized discs that help your grip.

• Get items from high shelves or from the floor with a reach extender, which has a magnet or gripper on the end of a rod.

Keeping your living room safe:

• Cut back on clutter so you don’t trip, slip, or fall.

• Replace a sagging sofa with firm cushions, which will make it easier to rise from.

• Consider some new furniture: Lift chairs are recliners that tilt forward to help you stand up and sit down more easily.

• Keep the things you use most often within reach of the chair or sofa you’ll be sitting on most.

• Make sure all furniture is secure and doesn’t swivel.

Your Own Medical Alarm

An emergency response system device is an electronic device (like a special necklace or bracelet) that allows individuals, particularly those at risk of emergencies (like older adults living alone), to quickly summon help in a crisis, such as a fall or need emergency help. Typically, it involves a wearable button or pendant that, when activated, sends a signal to a monitoring center, which then dispatches appropriate assistance.

Home Improvements to Prevent Prevent Falls

Many state and local governments have education and/or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. If you are a member of VIVE Home and Health Services, check with your assigned supervisor to help you find a program near you.

Risk Factors for Falls

Tips to Prevent Falls