Preventing Falls and Factors: Home Safety

Take steps to "fall proof" your home, both inside and outdoors. To make your home safer, you can

remove or avoid safety hazards
improve lighting
install handrails and grab bars
move items to make them easier to reach.

An important step toward preventing falls at home is to remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or phone cords, or other things can cause you to fall. Slipping on rugs or slick floors can also cause falls.

Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely. Also remove items from stairs, hallways, and pathways.

Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.

Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower, as well. You can buy these items at a home center or hardware store.

At home and elsewhere, try to avoid wet floors and clean up spills right away. Use only non-skid wax on waxed floors at home.

Be careful when walking outdoors, and avoid going out on ice or snow. A simple slip on a slick sidewalk, a curb, or icy stairs could result in a serious injury.

A cane or walker might make you more stable in bad weather. During the winter, ask someone to spread sand or salt on icy surfaces. Be sure to wear boots with good traction if you must go out when it snows. Better yet, don't take chances walking on icy or slippery surfaces.

Poor lighting -- inside and outdoors -- can increase your risk of falls. Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, at entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.

Good lighting on stairways is especially important. Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs can help.