Personal Fall Prevention Checklist 

Lifestyle and personal changes can help prevent many falls.  Your healthcare professional can also assess your risk of falling and suggest ways to prevent falls. 

 

Exercise

• Mild weight bearing exercise such as walking, climbing stairs and water workouts may help slow bone loss from osteoporosis… strong bones can prevent fractures should a fall occur

• Practicing tai chi will help prevent falls by improving balance and control…it uses slow flowing movements to help you relax and coordinate the mind and body

• Group and community excise programs will help increase strength, flexibility, balance and coordination

  

Health

• Ask your physician or pharmacist about the effects of prescriptions and non-prescription medications – some medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness that can cause falls

• Check with your physician about the physical activity and exercise appropriate for you

• Be careful in choosing shoes that have non-slip and not too thick soles

• Have your vision tested at least once a year 

• Get and annual physical exam and have your blood pressure checked

• Medical equipment such as walkers and canes should be properly sized and fitted by a qualified medical professional

 

In Home Fall Prevention Checklist

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Kitchen

• Frequently used items should be easily reached (dishes, food)

• Use step stools with hand rails at the top

 

Bathroom

• Be sure that you can move safely in the bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or shower

• Remove soap build-up in tub or shower on a regular basis

• Install adjustable height shower heads

• Place non-slip strips in the tub or shower

• Mount grab bars at the toilet, tub and shower on the walls with secure reinforcements

• Secure area rugs with non-slip double-sided carpet tape

 

All Rooms

• Remove unsafe obstacles from hallways and rooms

• Move newspapers, boxes, electrical and phone cords, plants, and furniture from traffic areas 

• Store clothing, bedding and other household items where you can comfortably reach them

 

Stairways

• Make sure all handrails are not broken and are securely fastened

• Both sides of the steps should have handrails

 

Floors and Rugs 

• Makes sure all floor boards and even and area rugs are secured to the floor with non-skid pads or double-sided tape

• Use non-skid floor wax

 

Lighting

• Keep lighting uniform in each room and add lighting to dark spaces

• Place nightlights in hall ways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways

• Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs

• Place a lamp near your bed

• Place a phone near your bed

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Outside of Home

• Repair holes and uneven joints on walkways

• Make sure outside lighting is working in entryways and walking areas

• Check to make sure both sides have handrails and that they are securely fastened

• Arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed from stairs and walkways

• Use salt or sand in winter months

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