Is Your Home 'Fall-Proof'? A Simple Checklist

 

You might not realize it, but falls happen more often than you think, especially at home where we feel protected. You don't need to make big changes or buy expensive gadgets to make your home safe against falls. Making just a few sensible improvements can make your space a lot safer for everyone.

Start with your floors

Rugs that aren't tight are practically trip traps. Either use non-slip backing to keep them in place or take them off completely. Look for flooring that are loose or surfaces that aren't level that could trip you.

Spills need to be cleaned up right away. The wet spot on the kitchen floor and the puddle by the bathroom sink won't dry up on their own.

Don't leave things in the path of walkways. The shoes at the door or the stack of magazines may not seem like a big deal, but they can be hard to see in low light.

The light makes all the difference

Most individuals don't know that dark hallways and staircases that aren't well illuminated cause more falls. Put motion-sensor lights in important places like bathrooms and hallways. They turn on by themselves when you need them the most.

Get rid of burned-out bulbs soon away. That "I'll do it tomorrow" attitude could cause you to fall tonight.

For trips to the restroom in the middle of the night, you might want to carry a tiny flashlight or phone close by. It's never a good idea to walk around in the dark.

Basic Rules for Bathroom Safety

Wet floors and bare feet are a bad mix. Put grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Pick bars that can hold your whole body weight.

Bath mats with suction cups are better than towels on the floor. When the suction cups quit working, you should replace them.

Keep things you use a lot close by. Standing on a damp surface and reaching for that shampoo bottle is dangerous.

Check for safety on the stairs

If you can, there should be handrails on both sides of the stairs. Check them often to make sure they're safe. A handrail that shakes makes you feel safe when you aren't.

If the light isn't great, use bright tape to mark the top and bottom steps. This easy approach helps your eyes get used to the shifts in depth.

Don't ever leave things on the stairs, even for a short time. Someone else could trip over that laundry basket you want to carry up later.

When it makes sense to get professional help

Sometimes problems with balance or weak muscles make it more likely that you will fall. A Falls Prevention Program Tuggerah can find problems and come up with solutions that work for each person.

Dry Needling Treatment Tuggerah assists with muscle tension that could make it hard for you to move and stay stable.

Zebris Treadmill Services Tuggerah might help with walking and balance issues. Tuggerah does a complete gait analysis to find problems before they happen.

Foot problems may make it more likely that you will fall. A Podiatry Clinic Tuggerah can help with problems like bunions, calluses, or wearing the wrong shoes that make you less stable.

Quick Safety Additions

Make sure there is a phone in every room. Getting help right away is the most important thing if you do fall.

Wear the right shoes inside. Socks on slick flooring can make you slip. Slippers with a firm grip operate considerably better.

Talk to your doctor about your meds. Some combinations can make you dizzy or sleepy, which makes you more likely to fall.

Last Words

It doesn't happen overnight that your home is protected from falling, but every little modification helps. Do the easy things first, and then work your way up to greater ones. Your future self will be grateful that you did these things now.