Tips to Reduce Your Risks For Falls in Your Home

 

Most of us consider our home to be a safe place, but at the same time can have risk factors which may increase your chance of falling.

Some suggestions to make your home a safer place to live are:

  • remove clutter and clean up spills when they happen
  • remove scattered rugs or tape edges down using duct tape
  • secure electrical cords close to the wall to avoid tripping
  • make sure there is adequate space to maneuver between pieces of furniture to avoid having to turn sideways
  • use good footwear, for example anti-slip and proper fitting shoes

Tips in the bathroom:

  • use a non-skid mat inside and outside the bathtub or shower stall and toilet
  • ensure grab bars in bathtub are installed by a professional (you may need to install grab bars by the toilet to help with getting up)
  • ensure you have a well-lit path from your bedroom to the bathroom and keep a night light on in the bathroom at night

Tips for the stairs:

  • keep stairs well lit and free of clutter
  • if possible install solid handrails on both sides of the staircase

Outside home tips:

  • keep front steps and walkways in good repair and free of snow, ice, leaves etc
  • make sure the front step and walkway is well lit

By making simple adjustments to your home you can help prevent falls from happening.


Authors:
Angela Mitrovic PT, Physiotherapist, and Myra Del Rosario OT Reg. (Ont.), Occupational Therapist

Credit Valley Hospital