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Safety Precautions
Here Are Some Things You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Falling
Review the questions below carefully. For best results, correct the items you have checked off.
Health, Safety & Home Assessment
Do you take four or more medications
daily?
Multiple medications
can cause dizziness,
drowsiness and
balance problems. It is
important to have all
of your medications reviewed at least once a
year by a pharmacist or doctor.
Have you or those around you noticed a
change in your hearing?
Dizziness can occur with hearing loss. Set
up an appointment to have your hearing
checked.
Have you or those around you noticed a
change in your vision?
Seeing obstacles is the first step in avoiding a
fall. Keep your glasses clean. Have your eyes
examined once a year.
Have you fallen two or more times in the
past six months?
Get a checkup! Falls lead to injuries. You need
to find out why you are falling.
Do you wear floppy slippers or a long
bathrobe?
Wear well-fitting
slippers with non-
skid soles. Avoid
night clothing that
drags on the ground.
Keep robe tied.
Throw rugs?
Throw rugs pose a tripping hazard. They
should be tacked down or removed.
REACHING OVERHEAD?
Put commonly used things on
shelves that are easy to reach. If you
must reach overhead, keep a sturdy
stool handy.
PICKING UP OBJECTS FROM
THE FLOOR?
Plan ahead. Move the object closer
to something sturdy to hold on to.
GETTING IN AND OUT OF
THE BATHTUB?
Add grab bars to the walls or use a
tub seat to assist with bathing.
Non-skid tubmats and a hand held
shower can also be useful.
GETTING IN AND OUT OF A
CHAIR?
Avoid sitting on low furniture. Chairs
with arms make it easier to get up.
WALKINGWITHOUT HOLDING
ON TO SOMETHING?
If you feel unsteady without holding
onto something, youmay need a
cane. Consult your doctor or health
care provider.
Stairs without rails?
Using hand rails to go up and down stairs is
easier and safer. Add hand rails to all stairs, if
possible.
Clutter in your walking space?
Clutter such as shoes, electrical cords and
magazines is a safety hazard. Keep pathways
clear.
Dark hallways or stairwells?
Good lighting can reduce the chance of falling.
- Consider adding night lights where overhead
lighting is lacking.
- Add strips of bright tape to the edge of each
stair.
- Always keep a
charged flashlight
near your bed for
emergencies.
- A night light in
the bathroom can
also make night
trips to the
bathroom
safer.