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Reduce the risk of a fall in your home

Healthwise
By Robin Parks, MS

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You can make certain changes in your home to reduce the chance of falls.

  • Remove raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter.
  • Repair loose carpet or raised areas in the floor that may cause you to trip.
  • Rearrange furniture and electrical cords to keep them out of walking paths.
  • Use nonskid floor wax, and wipe up spills immediately, especially on ceramic tile floors.
  • Keep stairways, porches, and outside walkways well lit. Use night lights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms.
  • Install sturdy handrails on stairways, and put grab handles and nonskid mats inside and outside your shower/tub and near the toilet.
  • Use shower chairs and bath benches.
  • Add extra light switches if needed or use remote switches (such as clap-on switches) or timers on lights by doors and near your bed to reduce having to get up quickly or walk across the room in the dark.
  • Put items within easy reach so you do not need to reach overhead for them.
  • Keep a cordless phone and a flashlight with new batteries by your bed.

Credits

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH
- Internal Medicine
Last Updated December 1, 2006
Last Updated: 12/01/2006