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Household Safety
How to Prevent Falls With Common Household Hazards
- Floors Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its accustomed place.
- Bathroom Install grab bars and nonskid tape in the tub or shower. Use nonskid bath mats on the floor or install wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Lighting Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well lit. Install a night light in your bathroom or hallway. Make sure there is a light switch at the top and bottom of the staircase. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night. Make sure lamps or light switches are within reach of the bed if you have to get up during the night.
- Kitchen Install nonskid rubber mats near sink and stove. Clean up spills immediately.
- Stairs Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure. Install a rail on both sides of the stairs. If stairs are a threat, it may be helpful to arrange most of your activities on the lower level to reduce the number of times stairs must be climbed.
- Entrances and doorways Install metal handles on the walls adjacent to doorknobs of all doors to make it more secure as you travel through the doorway.
Tips for Maintaining Balance During Recovery
- Keep at least one hand free at all times; try using a backpack or fannypack to hold things rather than carrying them in your hands. Never carry objects in both hands when walking as this interferes with keeping your balance.
- Attempt to swing both arms from front to back while walking. This may require a conscious effort, however, it will help you to maintain balance, posture, and reduce fatigue.
- Consciously lift your feet off of the ground when walking. Shuffling and dragging of the feet is may cause you to lose your balance.
- Try to stand with your feet shoulder length apart. When your feet are close together for any length of time, you increase your risk of losing your balance and falling.
- Do not wear rubber or gripping soled shoes, they may "catch" on the floor and cause tripping.
- Move slowly when changing positions. Use deliberate, concentrated movements and if needed, use a grab bar or walking aid. Count 15 seconds between each movement. For example, when rising from a seated position, wait 15 seconds after standing to begin walking.
Virtual Classroom Content Copyright (c) 2006, MDNetlink.com. All rights reserved.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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