According to The Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America™ report, falls are the leading cause of unintentional home injury and death for older adults. To help prevent this from happening to you or a loved one, here are some tips to ensure fall prevention in the home.

Outdoors

• Make sure that steps have handrails installed on both sides.
• Make sure steps and porches are well lit.
• Repair uneven or damaged walkways, and keep them clear of obstructions.

Indoor Staircases
 

• Secure or remove carpeting on the stairs, and install non-slip strips if needed.
• Make sure that stairs are well lit.
• Make sure that stairs have handrails installed on both sides.

Living Area and Kitchen
 

• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Keep all kitchen items on lower shelves, or within easy reach.
• If a stepstool must be used, make sure it has a grab bar.
• Minimize of small area rugs, and install non-slip strips.
• Make sure cords and wires are coiled and put away, or tape them to the wall.

Bedroom and Bathroom
 

• Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
• If there is a bedside light, make sure it is easily reachable.
• Install handrails or grab bars and use non-slip mats or strips in the bath and shower.
• Install grab bars near the toilet.
• Use non-slip rugs on the bathroom floor.
• Keep bathroom floor dry.

 Other Safety Tips
 

• Avoid walking around barefoot. Always wear shoes, or non-slip socks or slippers.
• Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
• Keep emergency numbers in large print near the phone.
• Consider wearing a personal alarm device in the event that a fall does occur.