Prevent Accidental Falls in the Home

Accidental falls are the leading cause of home injury and death among adults 65 and older. More than a million people are admitted to hospital emergency rooms to treat injuries related to falls, according to the Home Safety Council.

It is important to take some precautions to decrease the potentials for falls in your home, for example:

  • Wear low heeled shoes with good traction to protect against falling.
  • Make sure all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit. • Use night lights to help light hallways and bathrooms at night.
  • Keep stairs, steps, landings and floors clear. All stairs and steps should have a secure handrail or banister.
  • Reduce clutter and eliminate phone and electrical cords from walkways.
  • Use a non-slip mat or adhesive safety strips in bathtubs or showers.
  • Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls, don’t use towel racks or soap dishes as grab bars, they may easily come loose, and cause a fall.
  • Follow medication dosages carefully. Using multiple medications and/or using medications incorrectly may cause dizziness or other side effects which could lead to a fall.
  • Take an exercise class to increase your strength and improve balance. Tai Chi has been proven to reduce the risk of falling. Before taking any exercise class, see your physician for approval. In the event of a fall, seek emergency attention immediately. Brought to you by Research Medical Center Brookside Campus.