Fall Prevention in the Home

Falls in the home is very common and can cause serious problems particularly in the elderly. Falls can result in many different injuries such as broken bones (arms, legs, hips, ankles) cuts and head injuries. Serious falls may result in the need for hospital care and/or nursing home admission.

What can you do to reduce your chances of falling?

• Footwear: wear sturdy, rubber soled shoes that fit securely on your feet.
  
  
• Floors: remove all cords, throw rugs and loose wires. If you leave rugs make sure that it is smooth and anchored. Try to minimize the amount of clutter on the floor and refrain from moving furniture around. Avoid polishes that can make the floor slippery.
  
  
• Lighting: be sure that entrances, halls and stairways are well lit. Install night lights in these areas including the bathrooms. You can purchase emergency flashlights that also serve as night lights for your home. Be sure to turn the lights on if you need to get up in the middle of the night.
  
  
• Kitchen: install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove. Be sure to clean up spills immediately. Keep items within easy reach and don’t store too high or too low.
  
  
• Bathrooms: use non-skid stripes or mats in the tub and / or shower. Grab bars should also be installed in the tub/shower and next to the toilet. Non-skid mat should be placed in front of the sink area.
  
  
• Stairs: if rugs cannot be removed be sure these are secure. Handrails should be on both sides of the stairs and secure. Be sure that this area is well lit.
  
  
• Alcohol intake: minimize your intake of alcoholic beverages and be careful not to drink while taking many medications.
  
  
• Vision: it is important to have your vision checked regularly by your health care provider. Be sure that your prescription for your glasses is correct. Glaucoma or cataracts can severely limit your visual field.
  
  
• Medications: please consult with your physician whether any of your medications might cause you to become dizzy or light-headed that could lead to a fall. Medications, particularly combinations of medications can put you at risk. These include but not limited to sedatives, muscle relaxants, pain medications and blood pressure medications.
  
  
• Emergency Devices: if you live alone and a high risk for falls consider purchasing an emergency device that can be activated easily. These devices can be worn around your neck in the event you fall. With the push of a button you will immediately activate the emergency response system.
  
  
• Exercise: please consult your physician prior to starting an exercise program. Exercise will not only improve your balance, coordination and strength but will give you more energy!

Research has proven that nearly half of all falls take place in the home with the majority of those as a result of some environmental hazard. After about the age of 60 your risk of falling increases with complications depending upon the severity of the fall. Don’t become a casualty protect yourself from injury!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Your safety is important to us!

Ted Rice, BA, BSN, RN - Director
Unicoi County Home Health
423-735-7001

Safety checklist adapted from: Center’s for Disease Control
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
http://www.cdc.gov/