Fall prevention guide

Did you know that most bone-breaking falls happen at home? Fortunately, you can get ahead of the problem by making a few thoughtful adjustments to your space. In every room, it’s a smart idea to install good lighting, corral loose cords and keep pathways clear. In addition, here’s a room-by-room guide to help you identify and eliminate possible hazards:

Wet floors can be particularly dangerous, so be careful with liquids and grease while cooking. Watch for spills, and when they happen, clean them up right away. If you have throw rugs in your kitchen or anywhere else in your home, think about removing or securing them with double-sided tape. In addition, store dishes and food within easy reach so that you don’t have to bend down or stand on a stepstool to reach them.

Make sure the living room is well-lit and remove any clutter from the floor that could trip you. Keep power or phone cords out of the way by running them alongside walls (not under rugs). Arrange furniture so that it’s easier to walk around without bumping into sofas or chairs. Keep in mind that low-profile furniture, like coffee tables, can increase the risk of a fall. Consider eliminating these items or moving them to the perimeter of the room. Clear away other possible hazards, like pet or kid toys, too. 

Remember that wet floors can be slippery. Have grab bars installed in your shower and by your toilet for extra support. Use a nonskid shower strip in your tub and a nonskid strip or bathmat on the bathroom floor. Try a shower seat if you don’t have good balance.

Make sure there is proper lighting at the top and bottom of stairs. Replace or upgrade any bad or dim bulbs. Install handrails to steady yourself and avoid carrying heavy or unwieldy loads up and down the stairs. Stair treads can help you maintain balance, too. 

Pick up any floor clutter, make sure your bed is easy to get in and out of and keep a light by your bed. A nightlight is a good idea, so if you wake up in the middle of the night, you’ll be able to see clearly.  

If you have a pet at home, it’s smart to consider how your furry pal might impact your risk of falling.

Pets can help you stay active and healthy. In fact, there’s evidence that spending time with an animal may help protect against stress, loneliness, high blood pressure and more.¹ On the other hand, being around a pet may raise your risk of falling. A pet could get under your feet, tug on its leash or knock you down.  

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep a pet. Just as you can minimize fall hazards in your home, you can take steps to enjoy your pet safely:

Keep the floors where you walk clear of chew toys, pet beds and other tripping hazards. 

Put a bell and collar on your pet to keep track of when it’s near your legs. 

Some pet owners use baby gates to keep dogs out of high-traffic areas, like stairways and kitchens, where there’s a higher risk of injury. 

Try to teach your pet not to jump on you, walk in front of you or pull on its leash. Think about taking your dog to obedience school to learn these things. 

If you don’t have a pet, but you’re thinking about adopting one, put safety first and aim to choose one you can easily train.

Once you’ve taken steps to eliminate tripping hazards in your home and you’re using the best safety practices with your pet, you should continue to keep fall prevention top of mind.

Simply being mindful can help you more easily identify and avoid fall risks. These regular habits can help keep you safe and could even save your life:  

As you move through your home — and through the world — keep an eye out for safety hazards. Take particular care going up and down stairs and move with caution anywhere the floor may be wet, including bathrooms, kitchens and exterior pathways. 

Don’t rush, especially in unfamiliar environments. Make a point to move purposefully and carefully, scanning for tripping hazards as you go. 

Go through your home each day and make sure walkways and doorways are free from any clutter. Move anything that’s in your walking path. 

Turn on the lights when you enter a room. Replace or upgrade bulbs to make sure you have enough light, especially around stairs and hallways. Consider using nightlights to reduce your fall risk at night — or carry a flashlight.

The extra support can make a big difference in terms of helping you stay steady. It can also be helpful to wear nonskid slippers indoors and sensible shoes outside.

Your best defense against a serious fall is to try to avoid one. But even with careful vigilance, falls can happen. 

That’s why it’s important to know about things you can do during and after a fall to reduce your risk of a more serious injury. For example, getting up slowly and carefully may help prevent making an injury worse.  

In addition, keep the following tips in mind. 

Put your loved ones and doctor’s phone numbers in your cellphone so you can easily call for help after falling. 

It’s a good idea to tell your doctor you fell, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Your doctor may want to see you and evaluate you for any potential injuries.