Practical Ways to Prevent Falls

The following tips can help you avoid falls.

Take care of yourself

• Be sure your diet contains the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
• Exercise to minimize bone loss, improve strength, and balance. Try to engage in weight-bearing exercises.
• Eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol use which cause bone loss and increase your risk for a fracture.

Make your home safe

• Remove raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter
• Repair loose stairway rugs or boards
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of walking paths
• Install a night-lights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms
• Do not stand on unsteady stools, chairs, ladders, etc.
• Use nonskid floor wax
• Clean up spills, dropped food, etc, from the floor immediately

Prevent falls when bathing

• Install grab bars on the walls around the around the bathtub
• Use a long-handled brush or mittens with straps to help with bathing
• Place slip-resistant rugs inside the shower/tub and next to the bathtub for safe exit and entry
• Use shower chairs or bath benches

Prevent outdoor falls

• Use a cane or walker as needed
• Walk on the grass when the sidewalks are slippery
• Sprinkle salt or cat litter on slippery steps and sidewalks if you live somewhere where there is snow or ice in the winter