Fall Prevention Checklist

Falls by Seniors over the age of 65 are the seventh leading cause of death. The New England Journal of Medicine found that preventing falls and the resulting injuries can reduce or delay the need to move to long-term care facilities.

Two major causes of falls in and around the house are health and age-related changes, such as:

• Use of certain medications
• Slow reflexes
• Poor eyesight
• Problems with balance

• Slippery floors
• Poor lighting
• Electrical cords in pathways
• Loose rugs Raised thresholds
• Clutter

Most falls occur in bathrooms, bedrooms, and on stairs.

• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed
• Use night-lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways
• Keep a flashlight handy
• Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls
• Install hand-rails on both sides of stairs
• Turn on the lights when you go into the house at night
• Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet areas
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and flexibility
• Use non-slip adhesive strips or a mat in shower or tub
• Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower
• Consider using an elevated toilet seat
• Wear non-slip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that fit snugly
• Don’t walk in stocking feet
• Remove all extraneous clutter in your house
• Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways
• Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lie flat
• Remove or replace rugs or runners that tend to slip, or attach non-slip backing
• Ensure that carpets are firmly attached to the stairs
• Use helping devices, such as canes, when necessary
• Purchase a step stool with high and sturdy rails
• Do not stand on a chair to reach things
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist for drowsy, and unsteady side effects.