For seniors, falls in and around the home are the most frequent occurring accident. 

In Fact, falls are the seventh leading cause of death in persons over age 65.

 

A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that preventing falls and the resulting injuries can reduce or delay the need to move to a long-term care facility.

 

After a disabling falls the longer you wait for help the greater the risk of serious complications and even death.

 

There are TWO major causes of alls in and around the home:

 

Health and age-related changes, such as:

• Use of certain medications
• Slow reflexes
• Poor eyesight
• Problems with balance

 

Dangerous situations in the home, such as:

• Slippery floors
• Poor lighting
• Electrical cords in pathways
• Loose rugs
• Raised thresholds
• Clutter 

Most falls in the home occur in bathrooms, bedrooms and on stairs.

 

 

The following checklist is designed to help you minimize the risk of falling in your home.

 

• The Lifeline Fall Prevention Checklist 

• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed 

• Use night-lights in the bedroom, bedroom and hallways 

• Keep a flashlight handy 

• Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls. Install hand-rails on both sides of stairs 

• Turn on the lights when you go into the house at night 

• Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet areas 

• Use bath mats and suction cups 

• Use nonslip adhesive strips or a mat in shower or tub 

• Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower 

• Consider using an elevated toilet seat 

• Wear nonslip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that fit snugly. Don’t walk around inn stocking feet 

• Remove all extraneous clutter in your house 

• Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways 

• Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lie flat. Remove or replace rugs or runners that tend to slip, or attach nonslip backing 

• Ensure that carpets are firmly attached to the stairs 

• Use helping devices, such as canes, when necessary. 

• Purchase a step stool with high and sturdy handrails. Repair and discard wobbly step stools. Do not stand on a chair to reach things. Store frequently used objects where you can reach them easily. 

• Paint the edges of outdoor steps and any steps that are especially narrow or are higher or lower than the rest. 

• Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction. Keep outdoor walkways clear and well lit. 

• Keep snow and ice off entrances and side walks 

• Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs, including over-the-counter drugs, can make you drowsy, dizzy and unsteady 

• Watch your alcohol intake. More than two drinks per day can cause unsteadiness 

• Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner ear problems can affect balance. Vision problems make it difficult to see potential hazards 

• Exercise regularly to improve muscle flexibility and strength 

• If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Stand up slowly to avoid unsteadiness