Make your home safe to reduce the chances of falls
You can take steps to reduce your risk of falling:
- Remove any obstacles from your walking path and fix anything in your house that may cause you to fall. Household hazards that can cause falls include slippery floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, throw rugs, raised doorway thresholds, and electrical cords. Keep furniture or other items that have sharp edges away from normal pathways through your house.
- Use non-skid floor wax, and wipe up spills immediately.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. If you have poor vision and/or hearing, you may lose important cues that help you avoid objects and keep your balance.
- Know the side effects of medications you are taking. Ask your health professional or pharmacist whether the medications you are taking can affect your sense of balance. For instance, sleeping pills or sedatives can affect your balance.
- Check the condition of your shoes on a regular basis. Wear low-heeled shoes that fit well and give your feet good support. Check the heels and soles of your shoes for wear. Repair or replace worn heels or soles. Call your health professional if you think you have corns or calluses on your feet that need to be removed. If you wear loose-fitting shoes because of corns or calluses, you can lose your balance and fall. Wear slippers or shoes with non-skid soles.
- Take precautions when you go outdoors. Use a cane or walker as needed. Walk on the grass when the sidewalks are slippery. If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, sprinkle salt or cat litter on slippery steps and sidewalks.
- Use assistive devices in the bathroom, such as bath tub bars or bars beside the toilet.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: October 26, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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