Falls become more common and more serious as we age. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent them. First, identify the health factors that can increase your risk for falling: poor eyesight, reduced reaction time, reduced muscle strength and medications that affect alertness, blood pressure or balance. Whenever you feel unsteady, use a cane or walker and promptly replace worn rubber tips. Be careful around pets and don’t leave clothes or newspapers on the floor to trip you up.
BATHROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST:
- Grab bars for toilet, bathtub or shower
- Slip-resistant rug next to the bathtub or shower
- Mounted or suction liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub/shower wall
- Nonskid strips on the bathtub/shower floor n Sturdy plastic shower chair
- Raised toilet seat and toilet armrests to maintain balance getting up and down
- An extra-long sink mirror, for use when sitting
BEDROOM SAFETY CHECKLIST:
- All clutter cleared away from all pathways
- Lamp, flashlight and telephone are within easy reach of the bed
- Night-light pathways — bedroom to bathroom
- Raised mattress to ease getting in and out of bed
Visit www.tinyurl.com/ReduceFalling for a copy of this Home Fall Preventions Checklist.
INTERIM HEALTHCARE HONOLULU 1833 Kalakua Ave. #107, Honolulu, HI 96815
808-951-0949, Santiago Rivera, C.O.O. www.interimhealthcare.com/honolulu
