FLOORS: Look at the floor in each room.

Q: When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?

A: Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

Q: Do you have throw rugs on the floor?

A: Remove the rugs or use doublesided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip.

Q: Are there papers, books, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes, blankets, or other objects on the floor?

A: Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.

Q: Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?

A: Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

STAIRS AND STEPS: Look at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.

Q: Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?

A: Pick up things on the stairs. Always keep objects off stairs.

Q: Are some steps broken or uneven?

A: Fix loose or uneven steps.

Q: Are you missing a light over the stairway?

A: Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Q: Do you have only one light switch for your stairs (only at the top or at the bottom of the stairs)?

A: Have an electrician put in a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.

Q: Has the stairway light bulb burned out?

A: Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

Q: Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?

A: Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.

Q: Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?

A: Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs.

KITCHEN: Look at your kitchen and eating area.

Q: Are the things you use often on high shelves?

A: Move items in your cabinets. Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist level).

Q: Is your step stool unsteady?

A: If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

BATHROOMS: Look at all your bathrooms.

Q: Is the tub or shower floor slippery?

A: Put a non-slip rubber mat or selfstick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.

Q: Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?

A: Have a carpenter put grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.

BEDROOMS: Look at all your bedrooms.

Q: Is the light near the bed hard to reach?

A: Place a lamp close to the bed where it's easy to reach.

Q: Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?

A: Put in a night-light so you can see where you're walking. Some night-lights go on by themselves after dark.

Every year, thousands of elderly people fall in their homes. Many of them are seriously injured or even die as a result. Falls at home are often caused by factors that are easily overlooked. The above Q&A can help you eliminate safety risks.

References

1.https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/0641/index.htm