Wednesday, October 2, 2013



Fall Prevention and Personal Safety Tips


Falls in the home are one of the most common causes for people having to leave their homes.  Here are a few tips and modifications to make your home safer, more convenient, and fall-proof:



  • Arrange furniture so it doesn’t block walkways
  • Be sure that sofas and chairs are high enough for easy transfer
  • Keep floors  free of clutter
  • Coil or tape down cords and wires close to the wall; put in another outlet if needed
  • In a multi-level home, explore making your first floor live-in ready
  • Remove throw rugs or use non-slip backing
  • Reduce and avoid shiny surfaces
  • Install handrails on both sides of the stairwell
  • Install an overhead light with glow-in-the-dark light switches  at the top and bottom of stairs
  • Attach non-skid rubber treads to non-carpeted stairs
  • Place night lights in hallways and bathrooms
  • Keep lighting levels the same throughout your home – high contrast can increase fall risk
  • Post emergency contacts in a visible location and ensure that your phones are easily accessible
  • If you must use a step stool in the kitchen, get one with a bar to hold on to
  • Keep a fire extinguisher by the stove

Bathroom

  • Place a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips in the tub or shower and on the floor
  • Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees or lower
  • Install grab bars inside the tub/shower and next to the toilet
  • Install a handheld shower, elevated toilet seat, shower chair or tub transfer bench as needed



Medications

  • Share your current medication list with doctors and pharmacist to avoid potential side effects that could lead to a fall
  • Store medications in their original container
  • Use a medication pillbox
  • When possible, fill all medications through the same pharmacy
  • Check expiration dates of all medications periodically



Personal Safety

  • Have an emergency plan for fire, break-in, etc.
  • Consider an emergency alert button
  • Create a first aid kit that’s available, accessible, and current
  • Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Keep flashlights available and working
  • Store hazardous materials safely



For more tips or help fall-proofing your home, contact SCI’s professional care managers at (912) 236-0363 or visit www.seniorcitizens-inc.org