Fall Prevention

For Seniors

Safety Check List

 

Falls are the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries over the age of 60.  You can prevent injury or permanent disability by taking a few simple precautions.  Take a few moments to go through this check list to ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent falls in your home:

 

Footwear:        

 

·        It is important to choose shoes, and even slippers, with firm, non-skid soles. 

·        When wearing shoes, low heels are beneficial.  Stocking feet can invite a fall since they are especially slippery.

 

Medications:            

 

·        Medications can interact violently with other medications.  If you are taking more than one, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing them. 

·        Have all doctors informed of each other’s Rx.

·        Medications and alcohol are likely to cause a fall.

 

                                            

Exercise:              

 

·        Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

·        Exercise can make a difference.  Stretching makes you more flexible and lessens your chances of falling.

·        Stay active throughout your entire life. Some ways to exercise:

1.    Stretch before getting out of bed and before going to bed.

2.    Walk regularly.

3.    Park your car further away and walk.                   

4.    Use can goods as weights to build strength.

 

 

 

Stairways:                                                         

                                                   

·        Stairways should be well lit.

·        Make sure to have light switches at the top and bottom of stairways.

·       Have handrails to grab on to when using stairs.

 

 

 

Lighting:                

 

·        Light any areas that are shadowed – shadows can play tricks on your eyes and cause a fall.

·        Have light switches at room entrances.

·        Have night-lights in bedroom, halls, and bathrooms so you can see where you are walking when you get up in the middle of the night.

 

 

Bathrooms:            

 

·        Most falls happen in the bathroom due to slick floors combined with water and steam.

·        Buy bath mats with non-skid backing on them.

·        Install grab-bars in bathrooms to prevent falls.

·        Consider a shower-seat to lessen the chance of a fall in the shower.

 

                                     

Floors:                

 

·        Don’t leave clutter that can cause a fall.

·        Wipe up any spills immediately.

·        Train pets to stay out from under your feet.

Loose rugs or throw rugs may cause falls – remove if necessary.

Extension cords should not run across any room, and never put them under rugs.

 

 

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue cares about your safety!  Call 787-5974 for more information or to schedule a free Home Safety Check.