Don't Be a Statistic Basic Tips To Prevent Home Falls

By Andria Gregory

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Don't Be a Statistic Basic Tips To Prevent Home Falls

The time to think about home fall safety is now not while you're lying on the floor or riding to the hospital. Every year one out of three adults ages 65 and older falls. You can help yourself stay on the right side of that statistic by taking a few rudimentary precautions.

Obstacles and Clutter

Check hallways and rooms to ensure they are obstacle-free. We're not just talking about the traditional stray roller skate here. Power cords, pet bowls, loose rugs, potted plants, and other ordinary objects can all be dangerous when placed underfoot.

When you locate a potential tripping hazard, move it to a new permanent location. Keep in mind that being able to see the obstacle is not enough, as you might sometime find yourself traversing the area in the dark (in a power outage, for instance)

Stairs

Make sure all handrails are securely fastened. The last thing you want is a handrail that rips away from the wall the first time you really need it.

Do not carry large loads while going up or down the stairs. This includes laundry, garbage, and packages. If necessary, look into installing a dumbwaiter. Such a device is relatively inexpensive, and could literally save your life.

If you have reached the point where you can no longer use the stairs safely, consider installing a stair lift.

Lighting

Make sure you have good lighting on the stairways. If the stair light is burned out, have someone replace it with a CFL or LED bulb so that it will last longer. Stairs are one area you can't afford to leave in the dark.

Put an easily-accessible lamp near your bed. A lot of bad things could happen in the few steps between you and the wall switch.

Get some “night lights” and stick them in outlets all over your house. Make sure no hallway or bedroom is ever completely dark.

Medical

Talk to your pharmacist or physician about the side effects of your medications. Some medications can cause you to become dizzy or light-headed. If you know about these side effects, you will be better able to compensate and stay safe.

Be sure to have your vision checked annually.