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CheckList for Preventing Falls at Home

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Preventing Falls at Home

"Each Year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2002 more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls."


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www.skidfix.com

Home Safety Council Updates

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Smart Step #1

Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Bedrooms


  • Keep often used kitchen items on lower shelves.
  • If you must use a step stool, get the appropriate stool with a bar to hold, never use a chair as a step stool
  • Put a non-slip rubber mat or self stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower. we recommend a Mildew resistant Adhesive Bath Mat.
  • In the tub and next to the toilet have grab bars installed by a carpenter. Do not use towel racks or soup dishes as they come lose and cause falls.
  • Place a lamp within easy reach of the bed.
  • Place a nightlight in bedrooms and bathrooms to light the way.

Smart Step #2

Floors


  • Make sure paths are clear of furniture.
  • Remove throw rugs or use non-slip backing or double sided tape to prevent slipping.
  • Keep objects such as paper, shoes, and other debris off the floor.
  • Ensure lamp, telephone, and extension cords are coiled up or taped to the wall.
  • Wipe up spills promptly.
  • Be sure to use slip-resistant cleaners. We recommend NO Skidding Cleaners.

Smart Step #3

Stairs and Steps


  • Keep objects off of stairs.
  • Fix loose or broken steps.
  • Have a light installed at the top and bottom of the stairs. (we recommend an electrician install these for you)
  • Have the electrician put a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
  • Have friends or family members change lightbulbs above the stairs.
  • Remove or secure loose or torn carpet on steps.
  • Ensure hand rails are on both sides of the stairs and that they are as long as the stairs.
  • Make sure the handrails are secure and fix or replace loose handrails.

Smart Step #4

Outside


  • Keep side walks of broken limbs and cut grass.
  • If the home has a porch or deck, ensure all boards are secure and all nails and screws are flush.
  • Have a lights installed along the walkway if you are out after dark. We recommend Solar Powered Outdoor Lights they require little or no maintainance and also utilizes no additional cost in utilities.
  • Place a mat by the front door for simple task like retreiving mail during periods of ice or snow. Heated Entry Mats. are an ideal solution.
  • A more cost effective solution is the IceBreaker Mat. Easily break ice from the path by simply stepping or tapping the mat with a broom handle and sweep away. IceBreaker Mats. Prevent slips and fall without the hassle of salt or sand.

Safe Step #5

Additional Steps to Prevent Falls


  • Exercise Regularly to improve strength and balance.
  • Have a doctor or pharmacist check all the medicines you take including over the counter as they may call dizziness.
  • Get up slowly from sitting or lying down.
  • Wear shoes (slip-resistant if possible) inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot, slippers, and heavy traction atheletic shoes.
  • Have a bright eveenly lit room. Use florescent bulbs, they are brighter and less expensive to use.
  • Use lightweight curtains to reduce glare.
  • Paint the top edge of all steps with a contrasting color to enhance the visability of the steps.
  • Put a phone near the floor in case you have fallen and tape emergency numbers in large print on the phone.
  • Consider an alarm device that will contact emergency personal if needed.
  • Keep a consistant sleep schedule.
  • Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
  • Concentrate on when walking.
  • Clean up spills immediatly.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Ask For Help!

Additional suggestions to help prevent slips and falls in the home

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  • Jun 18, 2008 @ 12:28 am | delete
    Wow!
    wonderful information for people, because we have to preventing falls at home especially for children's.
    I have created a lens that focuses on electrician directory.
  • spirituality May 22, 2008 @ 12:52 am | delete
    Great tips. I know the problem, as I used to live with my grandmother.
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Hello, My name is Wayne. I founded Skid Fix LLC out of frustration trying to find a cost effective slip-resistant solution for my mothers wheel chair... more »

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