Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Home Safety

To reduce the risk of falling in the home, see the following recommendations:

In the Kitchen

• Keep drawers and cupboards closed
• Use a stepladder or step stool rather than a chair to reach objects in overhead cabinets
• Wipe up grease or liquid spills at once
• Set all stored utensils, dry and canned foods at a convenient height
• Use a non-slip mat in the sink area to soak up spilled water 

• Arrange clothes in the closest so that they are easy to reach
• Use a nonskid mat or strips on the standing area of the tub or shower
• Install grab bars on the walls of the bathtub and toilet
• Towel bars and the soap dish should not be used as grab bars
• Replace bar soap with liquid soap in plastic pumps
• Use a non-slip mat on the floor where you exit the tub/shower
• Obtain a raised toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet
• Have sufficient, accessible light
• Use a bath bench to eliminate need to stand
• Use a hand-held shower to make bathing easier
• Let the soap suds go down the drain before you move around in the shower. Do not turn suddenly
• Do not lock the bathroom door. That will delay help in reaching you
• Dry off before getting out of the tub 

• Replace satiny sheets and comforters with products that are made of non slippery material such as wool
• Wear reading glasses if you need them but remove them before you walk
• Have adequate and accessible lighting available
• Use nightlights and/or bedside lamps for nighttime bathroom trips
• Keep the pathway from the bed to the bathroom clear
• Make sure the bed is of appropriate height to allow for safe transfers 

• Make sure you have access to a telephone that you can reach to call for help if you fall
• Consider carrying a portable phone
• Arrange furniture and other objects so they are not in the way
• Couches and chairs at proper height to get into and out of easily
• Use strong chairs with armrests that will provide support during transfers
• Move low-lying objects (coffee tables, step stools, etc.) that may present a tripping hazard
• Position telephones so they are accessible

• Pay attention to the surface you are walking on: be alert for ice, snow, wet or dry leaves, moss-covered stone paths or steps
• Remember to salt icy sidewalks and pathways
• When you get out of a car, test the condition of the ground for wetness or iciness before standing up and walking
• Visually mark step edges to avoid tripping
• Keep steps in good repair 

• Always turn on lights before going into a room
• Have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs
• Replace any burned-out bulbs immediately
• Use night-lights in the hallways and bathroom
• Make sure you can safely access lamps and light switches
• Make sure indoor and outdoor walkways are properly lighted
• Have adequate lighting on the stairs 
  

• Carpeting should be securely fastened down
• Remove throw rugs that bunch up or slide, use skid resistant rug
• Keep walkways clear of clutter, especially electrical and telephone cords
• Be alert to pets and children who can pop up in front of or behind you
• Place bright, contrasting colored tape on the top and bottom steps of stairways
• Install and use secure handrails on both sides of the stairways, running their full length
• Place slip resistant material on bare stairs;

• Sit on the edge of the bed after first waking up to reduce potential dizziness before getting out of bed
• Let the phone ring -- don't run to answer it
• Eat breakfast every morning. Skipping a meal may cause dizziness
• Test vision and hearing regularly
• Learn about the side effects of medicines and how they may affect coordination or balance
• Wear footwear with soles and heels that provide good support and traction
• Avoid wearing only socks or smooth-soled shoes or slippers on stairs, wood or waxed floors
• Wear proper fitting clothing. It is easy to trip on a coat, pair of pants or bathrobe that is too long
• Limit your intake of alcohol. Even a little alcohol can disturb already impaired balance and reflexes
• Use caution in getting up too quickly after eating, lying down, or resting
• Maintain a regular program of exercise
• Use a cane or walker to help maintain balance as recommended by your physical therapist

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES


Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s “Home Safety Checklist”:
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/CheckListForSafety.htm

What you can do to prevent falls?
Go to Center for Disease Prevention and Control:
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm


Also: See Falls: Prevention Strategies: Falls: Home Safety: Children

Reference: http://www.geocities.com/heartland/Prairie/5309/safety.html
www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact