_FALL PREVENTION

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Maintain your health and independence by preventing falls. Here's how to reduce your or your loved one’s risk of falling.
General Tips
Eliminate Hazards
Bathroom Safety
Stair Safety
Bedroom Safety
The Phone
Maintain your health and independence by preventing falls. Here's how to reduce your or your loved one’s risk of falling.
General Tips
- Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes when you first wake up and make sure you are not dizzy before you get out of bed.
- Eat breakfast every morning. Skipping a meal could make you dizzy.
- Be careful around pets, they can get in front of your feet or jump on you.
- Use a cane, walker, or wheelchair if you are unsteady or lose your balance. Promptly replace worn rubber tips of these devices.
- Wear glasses for distances if you need them, but remove reading glasses before you walk.
Eliminate Hazards
- Wear clothes and shoes that fit you properly. You can trip on a coat, pair of pants or bathrobe that is too long or baggy.
- Remove rugs and avoid leaving objects on the floor. Reduce clutter.
- Keep cabinet drawers/doors closed so you won't stumble over them.
Bathroom Safety
- Use non-slip bathtub mats.
- Never grab a towel rack, shampoo holder, or soap tray for support in the shower. These will not hold a person's weight.
- Allow the soap suds to go down the drain before you move around in the shower. Do not turn suddenly.
- If you are prone to falling, use a shower chair and a handheld shower attachment.
- Clean up puddles of water immediately.
- Do not lock the bathroom door. That will delay help in reaching you.
Stair Safety
- Avoid carrying any package that will obstruct your view of the next step.
- Keep at least one hand on the handrail.
- Avoid distractions and concentrate on what you are doing;
Bedroom Safety
- Make your clothes in your closet easy to reach.
- Replace satiny sheets and comforters with products made of non-slippery material; i.e., cotton, wool.
The Phone