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Handout 1. A guide to preventing falls

Hazards in and around your home
Unsafe surroundings contribute to 30% of both indoor and outdoor falls(1). Poor lighting, unsafe footwear, and icy sidewalks are just a few of the environmental hazards that cause people to fall.
(1) Baseline Data, Ottawa-Carleton Falls Research Project, 1994.

What to do:

  1. Identify unsafe areas inside and outside your home
  2. Complete the checklist on the following pages.
    • Your risk of falling increases with the number of hazards identified with a "No" answer.
  3. Start today to make changes to reduce the hazards in your home.
  4. Report hazards outside your home to the proper authorities:
    • In an apartment building, store or restaurant, contact the owner or manager.
    • In a shopping mall, contact the mall authority.

Check list for falls prevention in your home

Throughout your home
  Floors are not slippery. Spills are wiped up promptly.
  Pathways are clear of extension cords and other objects.
  Rugs have no ripples or tears.
  Scatter mats are removed or securely taped to the floor.
  Low tables are removed from the middle of the living room.
  All furniture is sturdy.
  Chairs have armrests and are the correct, comfortable height.
  All light fixtures have a minimum of 60 watt bulbs. Good lighting is installed in and around the house.
  Entrance to every room has a light switch.
  Stepladders or step stools are never used.
  Items used every day are stored within easy reach.
  Exterior stairs are kept free of ice and snow. Sprinkle grit or non-clumping cat litter.
Entrance
  Doors open easily.
  There is a sturdy seat with armrests.
  Mail is within easy reach.
  Exterior and interior lighting is good.
  Outside pathways are free of lawn furniture, hoses and other objects.
Stairs (inside and outside)
  Stair edges are marked with contrasting colour.
  All steps are the same height and the same depth.
  Stairs are well lit with a light switch at the bottom and top of stairs.
  Stairs have a non-slip surface and are in good repair.
  Handrails are present on both sides of stairs.
  Handrail height feels comfortable when used for support.
  Handrails extend 12 inches beyond top and bottom steps.
  Hand wraps around two thirds of handrail.
  Stairs are free of clutter or any objects at all times.
Bathroom
  Bathtub plug is easy to reach; and to use.
  Full-length rubber bathtub mat is used for every bath or shower.
  There are at least two grab bars in the tub area.
  Portable grab bars (on the side of the tub) do not move when used for support.
  Rug outside the bathtub has a rubber backing.
 

If you have problems getting into or out of the bathtub:

  • Use a bath seat.
  • Use a hand held shower.
  • Ask for help with bathing
 

If you have problems sitting on or getting up from the toilet:

  • Use raised toilet seat.
  • Use a grab bar conveniently located.
Bedroom
  A telephone is easily reached from the bed.
  A lamp and flash-light are easily reached from the bed.
  The bed is the correct height.
Personal Habits
  I move slowly after lying or sitting to prevent dizziness; and sit on the side of the bed a few minutes before I stand.
  I do not hurry.
  I always wear well-fitted shoes or slippers with closed and low heels and non-slip soles.
  I do not use bath oil and I use liquid soap to avoid bending for soap bar.
  I do not wear long skirts, long house coats, or loose slacks that I might trip or step on.
  I turn on a night-light before I go to bed.
  I turn on a light when I get up at night.
  I avoid using a ladder or step-stool and ask for someone to help to reach high objects.
  Living alone, I use a Personal Emergency Response Calling Service or I buddy with a neighbour, family or friend for a daily phone call.

Adapted from "A Guide to Preventing Falls", City of Ottawa

Active Independent Aging was a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. For more information please visit our website at: www.falls-chutes.com. Funding provided by Health Canada/Veterans Affairs Canada Falls Prevention Initiative. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies of Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. The information in this handout is current as of 2004.
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Last modified May 20, 2004