self assessment of fall risk in your home

Walking About Your Home?

• Keep "traffic lanes" free of clutter and obstacles, allow plenty of walking room.
• Make sure all rooms have sufficient lighting.
• Remove slippery scatter and throw rugs or use rubber pads to keep them in place.
• Secure all carpet edges.
• Wear shoes and slippers with non-slip soles that grip the floor.
• Consider using a cane to help maintain balance.

Walking to the bathroom at night?

• Install nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom
• Keep a light within reach of the bed.
• Make sure you can switch on a light without having to get out of bed.
• Keep a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom

Walking up and down stairs?

• Don't rush when climbing up or down stairs.
• Take your time and look directly at each step.
• Don't carry large packages or baskets that obstruct your vision when going up or down strairs.
• Use sturdy handrails for balance support.
• Watch were you are stepping when using stairs, place your foot firmly on the steps.
• Don't place items on stair steps, these can create a hazard when going up or down a staircase.
• Install extra lighting by the top and bottom of stairways so that you can see each step as you walk up or climb down the stairs.

Getting up from chairs?

• Avoid getting up too quickly.
• Use sturdy chairs with armrests to help get up and sit down.
• Add firm foam pads to seats of chairs and sofas to help get up.

• Get up slowly, try not to rush. Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so when getting up to avoid dizziness.
• Move rolling beds against the wall to prevent the bed from sliding away when getting up.
• Replace existing mattress with one thinner in width to lower bed height or thicker in width to raise bed height.

• Use elevated toilet seats and grab bars to help sit down and get up.

• If unsteady on your feet, consider using a tub/ shower chairs and grab bars to help get in and out. Towel bars are not designed to be used as grab bars.
• Sit on the side of the tub while lifting your legs into the tub. When leaving the tub, make sure one foot is firmly on the floor and you feel steady before lifting the other foot out.
• Place nonskid rubber mats or decals on the floor to prevent slipping.

• Avoid reaching for objects that are too high, get help if you need it.
• Store everyday dishes and kitchen supplies within easy reach. Consider keeping items no lower than waist level or no higher than shoulder height to avoid excessive bending, stooping or reaching.