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There are many ways to prevent falls in the home. Below are listed common risk factors and safety tips.
Environmental Risk Factors (examples)
? Hazardous activity (meal preparation, housekeeping)
? Time of day (dawn, night)
? Lighting (poor lighting)
? Clutter (papers, books, clothes, shoes, plants)
? Loose cords (telephone, electrical, oxygen tanks)
? Rugs (area and wall to wall carpet)
? Pets
Personal Risk Factors
? Decreased muscle strength
? Poor balance or coordination (poor gait, sit–to–stand dizziness)
? Visual disturbances (blurred, double, halos)
? Mental status changes (confusion, impaired judgment, anxiety)
? Dizziness or vertigo
? Incontinence
? Use of multiple prescribed and over–the–counter medications
? Aging
? Existing medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, asthma)
? Pain
Reducing Falls at Home:
Stairs
? Repair any worn carpet or broken steps and railings.
? Install railings.
Lighting
? Install night lights, overhead lights or higher watt bulbs.
? Make sure you can reach a light from bed. Always turn lights on when getting in or out of bed. If necessary, use a remote control to turn lights on and off from across the room.
? Add bright strips of tape to each step for better visibility.
? Keep a charged flashlight near the bedside for emergencies.
Eliminate risk factors
? Remove items from the floor.
? Keep pathways inside or outside the home clear.
? Remove throw rugs or fasten with adhesive to floor.
? Keep pets in an enclosed area or clear from walking areas
? Keep items within easy reach between hip and eye level.
? Organize space to minimize stooping or reaching (consider using a long handled grabber or reaching tool).
? Use a sturdy step stool for reaching overhead.
? Keep floors dry and wipe up spills immediately.
Bathroom
? Use nonskid bathtub or shower mat.
? Sit and use a nonskid shower chair and hand–held shower head.
? Install grab bars or handrails in shower.
? Have a phone in the bathroom to use in case of a fall.
Furniture
? Use sturdy furniture with strong back supports.
? Use arm rests for support while getting in and out of chairs.
? Avoid chairs on coasters/wheels.
Phone
? Keep phone easy to reach in case of emergencies.
? Keep emergency phone numbers readily available.
For overall health and safety
? Review medical condition regularly with your health care provider.
? Have regular checkups as needed (such as vision and hearing).
? Keep a current record of all medications.
? Recognize your abilities and limitations.
? Whenever in a new environment, assess potential risk factors and identify necessary safety measures.
Consider an emergency call systems:
There are two general types available. In both cases the user wears a pendant with a small button which is pressed in the event of an emergency.
Direct help system (monthly fee)
Pressing the button connects the user directly to an operator who is able to deal with personal medical condition.
Indirect help system (one time fee)
Pressing the button activates a recorded message which is sent to the set numbers of friends or relatives. The person receiving the call then takes the necessary steps to get help.
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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan 吃瓜天堂91, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.? Shirley Ryan 吃瓜天堂91 (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – /lifecenter
