Reduce the risk of a fall in your home
You can make certain changes in your home to reduce the chance of falls.
- Remove raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter.
- Repair loose carpet or raised areas in the floor that may cause you to trip.
- Rearrange furniture and electrical cords to keep them out of walking paths.
- Use nonskid floor wax, and wipe up spills immediately, especially on ceramic tile floors.
- Keep stairways, porches, and outside walkways well lit. Use night lights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms.
- Install sturdy handrails on stairways, and put grab handles and nonskid mats inside and outside your shower/tub and near the toilet.
- Use shower chairs and bath benches.
- Add extra light switches if needed or use remote switches (such as clap-on switches) or timers on lights by doors and near your bed to reduce having to get up quickly or walk across the room in the dark.
- Put items within easy reach so you do not need to reach overhead for them.
- Keep a cordless phone and a flashlight with new batteries by your bed.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine | |
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