| Do you rush to get things
done or to get places on time? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Take your time, especially when carrying objects
- Avoid carrying heavy items
- Use a portable or folding grocery cart
- Buy a cordless phone
- Increase the number of rings on your phone before the
answering machine goes on
- Pay attention to your surrounding
|
| Do you find yourself carrying
too much? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Use a waist belt or backpack instead of carrying a purse
- Avoid carrying heavy items
- Use a portable or folding grocery cart
|
| Do you daydream? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Your environment changes
constantly and usually when you least expect it. You can
reduce your risk of tripping, slipping or falling by simply
being more aware of these changes
- Paying attention is particularly important when you are
moving from one environment or room to another. Be ALERT!
- Do one thing at a time when moving about
|
| Do you wear clothing that
is almost floor length (nightgowns, pants that drag)? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Wear clothes that do not obstruct your ability to walk
with a full stride
- If clothes touch the ground, hem them shorter.
|
| Do you have sloppy or poor
fitting slippers? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Buy slippers that fit properly and are enclosed around
the heels
- Walking around in socks can produce the same risk
|
| Do you wear poor fitting
shoes, shoes with heels, or shoes with slippery soles? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Make sure your shoes have good rubber, non-slip soles
- Wear proper fitting supportive shoes with low, broad heels
- If your shoes are loose buy insoles or wear extra socks
- Choose shoes that offer better support than slip-ons
- Make sure your footwear is in good shape
- Take off outdoor shoes with treads or grip when you go
inside, since the tread can "catch" as you walk
on carpet
- For winter walking, look into purchasing "grippers"
which attach to winter footwear
|
| Do you have pets? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Watch out for sleeping or active pets
|
| Do you climb up on the furniture
when you need to reach something? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Store things lower
- Ask someone to help
- Use a safe step stool
|
| Do you use a step stool
or ladder? |
|
If you answered Yes, here's what you can do:
- Rearrange your items on easy to reach shelves that are
below shoulder height
- Buy a long handled "reacher" at a medical supply
store
- Keep all heavy items in low cupboards
- If you must use a step stool, use one that has a safety
rail when reaching high places
- If you use a ladder, make sure it is safe and in good
repair and never stand on the last step
|
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