Make Your Home Safer


Most falls occur at home. Yet, by taking a few practical precautions, you can significantly reduce that risk. Think about your home as you read the following.

Bathroom:

  • The floor should provide good footing when wet.

  • The shower or tub should have a non-slip mat or finish, and if you have a shower chair, it should allow easy access to the faucets. It may also be helpful to have a handheld showerhead so that you can remain seated when bathing.

  • It is good to have grab bars for support when you step into or out of the bathtub or use the toilet. These supports should be strong and firmly mounted. Also, make sure that the toilet seat is high enough for you to sit and stand without too much exertion.

  • Keep night-lights on, or use a flashlight.

Stairs:

  • Stairways should be uncluttered, in good condition, and well lit.

  • Stairways ought to have stable handrails on both sides if possible as well as nonslip strips and light switches at both the top and the bottom.

  • Walking up and down stairs can help people with disabilities to maintain leg strength. If you have balance problems, however, you should try to avoid negotiating stairs alone.

Bedroom:

  • Allow sufficient space for you to move around the bed and other furniture safely.

  • Have a chair where you can sit to dress.

  • Keep a lamp or a flashlight within reach when you are in bed.

Kitchen:

  • Countertops should be uncluttered so that you can easily set down groceries and other items.

  • The kitchen floor ought to be nonslip and low glare.

  • Items in the cupboards should be neighther too high nor too low but easy to access without assistance. Try to avoid the use of ladders and step stools, and never climb up on a chair!

General:

  • Have night-lights that illuminate the way to the bathroom and other areas you may go to at night.
  • It can be helpful to use a cane or a walker at night when you are not fully awake or alert.
  • Your chairs should be stable (no wheels), have armrests, and be the right height for easy sitting and standing.
  • To prevent tripping, you should repair, replace, or remove frayed carpets, lifted linoleum, or broken tiles. Lay all electrical cords along walls and not across walkways.
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