Keeping your home safe to avoid falls
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
Learn not to fall, (continued)
Last week, we highlighted the positive effects of exercise in increasing your strength and balance, and how this can reduce your risk of falling. This week, we’ll discuss changes to your home environment that can help you avoid falls.
Is your home safe?
Most falls happen at home where we spend most of our time.
The fact is that as we get older, items in our home that used to be virtually harmless start to pose a greater risk.
Stairs, bathrooms, dimly lit hallways, a little extra clutter around the house – even pets underfoot can be dangerous.
The good news is that most of these possible home safety hazards can be minimized.
All it takes is some time and attention – and maybe the assistance of a friend or family member – before an unfortunate accident happens.
Making a few simple changes to your home can reduce your risk of falling. Here are some things you can do:
Install handrails on both sides of your stairways.
Make sure that your hallways and stairways are well lit.
If you have throw rugs in your home, secure them to the floor to prevent slipping.
Have nightlights in the bedroom, hall and bathroom. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
Have a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower. Have a bath mat with a non skid bottom on the bathroom floor.
Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Wipe up spills when they happen.
These small changes can help keep you safe.
Next week: What to do in case you do fall.[[In-content Ad]]
Last week, we highlighted the positive effects of exercise in increasing your strength and balance, and how this can reduce your risk of falling. This week, we’ll discuss changes to your home environment that can help you avoid falls.
Is your home safe?
Most falls happen at home where we spend most of our time.
The fact is that as we get older, items in our home that used to be virtually harmless start to pose a greater risk.
Stairs, bathrooms, dimly lit hallways, a little extra clutter around the house – even pets underfoot can be dangerous.
The good news is that most of these possible home safety hazards can be minimized.
All it takes is some time and attention – and maybe the assistance of a friend or family member – before an unfortunate accident happens.
Making a few simple changes to your home can reduce your risk of falling. Here are some things you can do:
Install handrails on both sides of your stairways.
Make sure that your hallways and stairways are well lit.
If you have throw rugs in your home, secure them to the floor to prevent slipping.
Have nightlights in the bedroom, hall and bathroom. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
Have a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower. Have a bath mat with a non skid bottom on the bathroom floor.
Install grab bars in the tub and shower. Wipe up spills when they happen.
These small changes can help keep you safe.
Next week: What to do in case you do fall.[[In-content Ad]]