Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Many Falls!
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
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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
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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
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Group and community excise programs will help increase strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
Health
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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
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Check with your physician about the physical activity and exercise appropriate for you
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Be careful in choosing shoes that have non-slip and not too thick soles
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Have your vision tested at least once a year
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Get and annual physical exam and have your blood pressure checked
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Medical equipment such as walkers and canes should be properly sized and fitted by a qualified medical professional
In Home Fall Prevention Checklist
Kitchen
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Frequently used items should be easily reached (dishes, food)
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Use step stools with hand rails at the top
Bathroom
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Be sure that you can move safely in the bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or shower
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Remove soap build-up in tub or shower on a regular basis
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Install adjustable height shower heads
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Place non-slip strips in the tub or shower
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Mount grab bars at the toilet, tub and shower on the walls with secure reinforcements
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Secure area rugs with non-slip double-sided carpet tape
All Rooms
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Remove unsafe obstacles from hallways and rooms
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Move newspapers, boxes, electrical and phone cords, plants, and furniture from traffic areas
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Store clothing, bedding and other household items where you can comfortably reach them
Stairways
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Make sure all handrails are not broken and are securely fastened
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Both sides of the steps should have handrails
Floors and Rugs
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Makes sure all floor boards and even and area rugs are secured to the floor with non-skid pads or double-sided tape
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Use non-skid floor wax
Lighting
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Keep lighting uniform in each room and add lighting to dark spaces
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Place nightlights in hall ways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways
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Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs
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Place a lamp near your bed
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Place a phone near your bed
Outside of Home
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Repair holes and uneven joints on walkways
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Make sure outside lighting is working in entryways and walking areas
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Check to make sure both sides have handrails and that they are securely fastened
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Arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed from stairs and walkways
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Use salt or sand in winter months