Fall Prevention Program: Part III

[Guest Prosoft Admin]

HOME SAFETY CHECK:



Image: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you have fallen previously, you may be feeling nervous, anxious, or even helpless about moving around in your home, or in new environments.

We at Peak Performance PT want to make sure that you are able to do the activities you desire.

Here is something you can do TODAY to “fall- proof” your home! (See prior posts on medical checks, and assessing your risk for falling.)

Remember, this is only one starting point.  You still have your physicians check, and exercise which will be the next and final Fall Prevention Program.

Let’s go through your home room by room.....

FLOORS:  Be sure to look in each room.

·    Ask someone to move the furniture so that you have a clear path from room to room.

·    You can either remove throw rugs, use double sided tape to hold them down or make sure they have a non-slip backing so they don't slide around or bunch up.

·    Always keep objects like magazines, shoes, or towels off of the floor.  If it is difficult to do so, there are a wide variety of “reachers” available at local stores (i.e. Debbie Supply in East Rochester), or online, that will allow you to reach high or low places to pick up light weight objects without getting into a position that puts you off balance.

·    Coil up or tape cords and wires next to the wall so that you do not walk over or trip on them.

STEPS AND STAIRS:

·   Always keep stairs free from ANY objects.

·    Fix loose or uneven steps.

·    Have an electrician, or family member put in a light at the top AND bottom of the stairs!  Both top AND bottom should have light switches.  If they can get light switches that glow, that is even better.

·    If you have a light that is burned out, ask a friend or family member to change it.

·    You should make sure your carpet is firmly attached to EVERY step, or remove the carpet and apply non-slip rubber treads instead.

·     Place a bright colored strip of tape at the top and bottom of the last stair, especially in stairwells to the basement, or garage, where it may be difficult to see.

·     Fix or attach handrails to both sides of the stairwell.  They should run the entire length of the stairs, and be able to hold your body weight if you were to slip and grab a hold of them for support.

KITCHEN:

·      Rearrange your cupboards to have the things you use most on the middle shelves.  Waist to shoulder level shelves will be the easiest to reach.

·      If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold onto. It is MUCH steadier than a chair!

BATHROOMS:

·      Put a non-slip rubber mat, or self stick strips on the tub or shower floor.

·      Have a carpenter or handyman (or woman), attach grab bars inside the tub/shower stall, and next to the toilet if necessary.

·      Consider a night light in the bathroom, and/or a non-skid shower chair.

·      Avoid pulling yourself up by the sink.  They are often not secured to the wall well enough to support your weight.

·      Consider a hand held shower head if you need to sit in your shower.

BEDROOMS:

·      Place a lamp close enough to reach while you are in bed.

·      Keep a flashlight nearby your bed also.

·      Clear a path from the bed to the bathroom.  It should be lit by at least a night-light, preferably one that goes on automatically when it gets dark.

·      Keep emergency contact numbers in large print near each phone.

LIVING ROOMS:

·      Avoid sitting in low furniture or chairs with no arms, as these are difficult to get out of. Remember, you should always be able to touch your feet on the floor when seated.  If not, try a pillow behind you. Use chairs that are firmer, and have arm rests.

GENERAL:

·      Wipe up ALL spills immediately.

·      Change the batteries in your smoke detectors when changing your clocks for daylight savings time.  If it is too high, ask for assistance.