Safety Checklist for Reducing Fall Risk at Home

A Safety Checklist for Reducing Fall Risk at Home

Gain confidence to maintain your independence at home

A new study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found out that preventing falls at home and the resulting injuries can delay or reduce the need for moving to a long-term care facility.

Causes of falls in and around the home

1. Health and age-related changes

• Problems with balance
• Slower reflexes
• Poorer eyesight
• Usage of certain medications

2. Dangerous situations in the home

• Slippery floors
• Poor lighting
• Electrical cords in pathways
• Loose rugs
• Raised thresholds
• Extraneous clutter

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults, falls in and around the home are the most frequently occurring accident. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury death among seniors.

Use this Safety Checklist to Minimize Fall Risk at Home

Inside your home

• Remove all extraneous clutter in your house. 
• Keep electrical cords and telephone out of pathways.
• Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lie flat. And remove or replace rugs that tend to slip, or attach non-slip backing.
• Do not stand on a chair for reaching stuff. And store frequently used objects in a place where you can reach them easily.

Outside your home 

• Paint the edges of outdoor steps and any steps that are especially narrow or are higher or lower than the rest. 
• Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction. Keep outdoor walkways clear and well-lit. 
• Clear snow and ice from entrances and sidewalks. 

Bathroom tips 

• Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet areas. 
• Use non-slip adhesive strips or a mat in your shower.
• Consider using an elevated toilet seat. 
• Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower.

Keep a well-lit home 

• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed. 
• Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways. 
• Keep a flashlight always handy. 
• Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls. Install handrails on both sides of stairs. Turn on the lights when you go into the house at night. 

Use care walking 

• Use helping devices (such as canes), as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Wear non-slip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that fit comfortably. Avoid walking in stocking feet. 

And please don't forget... 

• Review medications with your doctor (or pharmacist). Some drugs (including the ones for self-medication), can make you drowsy, unsteady, and even dizzy.
• Have your eyesight and hearing tested. Vision deficiencies make it difficult to see potential hazards and inner ear problems can affect your balance while walking.
• Discuss safe amounts of alcohol intake with your physician. 
• Exercise regularly for improving your muscle flexibility, strength, and balance. Talk to your healthcare provider about exercise programs that are most appropriate for your current health conditions.
• If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Then, stand up slowly in order to to avoid unsteadiness. 

In the event of a fall, fast access to help is extremely important. 

Lifeline with AutoAlert can get you the help you need when you need it the most. And with the AutoAlert option, you can get help in two ways: 

1. push the button at any time, or 
2. if AutoAlert detects your fall and you're unable to push the button, it can automatically place a call on your behalf for help.

The time for Lifeline Medical Alarm is BEFORE a fall. Free Activation, here.