When recovering from illness, injury or surgery, certain health conditions or medical treatments may increase your risk of falling and/or the potential for injury.
Here are a number of safety tips you or a caregiver can follow to prevent falls, whether in the home or out in the community.
Rugs
- Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing under the rug to prevent sliding.
Remove Clutter
- Pick up all items on the floor (e.g., boxes, magazines, books, shoes) and remember to always keep objects off the floor.
- Cut or tape cords and wires next to the wall to avoid tripping over them.
Stairs
- Do not leave items on the stairs.
- Make sure there is adequate lighting when using the stairs.
- Assure stairs are in good repair.
- If stairs are carpeted, make sure that carpet is firmly attached or remove it and install non-slip rubber treads.
- Make sure hand rails are routinely checked and are not loose.
- Install hand rails on both sides of stairs, and make sure they extend the entire length of the stairs.
Kitchen
- Keep the items most frequently used in waist-level cabinets.
- If a stepstool is needed to reach items, make sure it is sturdy and has a bar to hold onto. Never use a chair as a stepstool.
Bedroom
- Make sure the path from your bed to the bathroom is free of clutter.
- Use a night light or lamp to illuminate your path.
Bathroom
- Put a non-slip rubber mat or use self-stick strips on the floor of the bathtub or shower.
- Ask a professional to install grab bars inside the tub area and next to the toilet if needed.
Other Helpful Fall Prevention Tips
- Exercise regularly to keep strong and to help your balance.
- Ask a pharmacist or your physician to review all your medications to ensure there are no interactions.
- If you feel dizzy, seek medical attention.
- A yearly eye exam is recommended as vision issues can affect your balance.
- Make sure you get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Stand still or sit for at least 15 seconds to allow your blood pressure to stabilize.
- Stay hydrated.
- Use the brightest light bulbs allowed by your fixtures to improve the lighting in your home, but use lamp shades or frosted bulbs to reduce the glare.
- Leave a light on at night in case you need to use the bathroom. Invest in a medic alert system and wear the locator around your neck at all times in case you fall.
For more information on fall prevention and how physical rehabilitation can help, call 1-888-44-REHAB or request an appointment online.