Did you know that six out of every 10 falls happen at home? Without realizing it, many people let hazards which may contribute to falls accumulate around their homes, such as loose rugs, power and extension cords, rickety chairs, etc. These hazards endanger residents and guests alike. Many falls in the home could easily be prevented. All it takes is a few simple changes.
Help avoid falls in your home by:
- removing and/or avoiding safety hazards,
- improve lighting throughout the home,
- install handrails and grab bars wherever needed, and
- move items to make them easier to reach (or have someone move them for you).
The National Institutes of Health offers seniors and their loved ones a list of “Tips to Fall Proof Your Home:”
- Remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or phone cords, or other things can cause you to fall. Slipping on rugs or slick floors can also cause falls.
- Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely. Also remove items from stairs, hallways, and pathways.
- Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
- Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower, as well. You can buy these items at a home center or hardware store.
- Try to avoid wet floors, and clean up spills right away. Use only non-skid wax on waxed floors at home.
- Install good lighting throughout your home. Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, at entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
- Ensure that stairways are well lit. Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs can help.
- Place a lamp within easy reach of your bed. Put night lights in the bathroom, hallways, bedroom, and kitchen. Also keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.
- Have handrails installed on both sides of stairs and walkways. If you must carry something while walking up or down stairs, hold the item in one hand and use the handrail with the other. When you’re carrying something, be sure you can see where your feet are stepping.
- Install grab bars in your tub and shower, and next to the toilet. Have grab bars installed, and use them every time you get in and out of the tub or shower. Be sure the grab bars are securely attached to the wall.
- Rearrange often-used items in your home to make them more accessible. Store food boxes, cans, dishes, clothing, and other everyday items within easy reach. This simple change could prevent a fall that might come from standing on a stool to get to an item.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your guests from personal injury the home.
The Law Offices of Paul J. Healy proudly serve the residents of Jacksonville and the North Florida counties of Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns.
