Fall Prevention Program
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Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home, causing serious injury, permanent disability, and death. Good Shepherd’s Fall Prevention Program offers information on how to prevent such incidents through proper home setup and attention to hazardous objects.

Falls are often due to hazards that are easily overlooked but very simple to fix. The following checklist is designed to help senior citizens find and fix these hazards in each room of the home.

Floors
Problem: When you walk through a room, you have to walk around furniture.
Solution: Have someone rearrange the room so a path is always clear.

Problem: Throw rugs on the floor.
Solution: Remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or non-slip backing to prevent the rugs from sliding.

Problem: Paper, magazines, books, shoes, etc. on the floor.
Solution: Keep objects off of floor. Utilize closets, bookshelves, and tables for such items.

Problem: You have to walk around electrical cords or wires.
Solution: Coil or tape cords and wires so you won’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician install additional outlets.

Stairs & Steps
Problem: Shoes, books, papers, boxes, etc. on stairs.
Solution: Always keep objects off of stairs and away from the top of the stairs.

Problem: Steps are broken or uneven.
Solution: Get steps repaired immediately.

Problem: Stairway is poorly lit.
Solution: Have a handyman or electrician install and overhead light at the top and/or bottom of the stairs.

Problem: Carpet on stairs is loose or torn.
Solution: Make sure carpet is firmly attached to each step or remove carpet and replace it with non-slip rubber treads.

Problem: Only one light switch for your stairs.
Solution: Have a handyman or electrician install a light switch at both the top and bottom of your stairs. Light switches can also be installed that glow in the dark.

Problem: Handrails are loose or broken.
Solution: Have a handyman fix any loose handrails or install new ones.

Problem: There is only a handrail on one side of the stairs.
Solution: Have a handyman install an additional handrail.

Kitchen
Problem: Kitchen items are on high, hard-to-reach shelves.
Solution: Move kitchen items into cabinets. Keep things you use often on lower shelves.

Problem: Your step stool is unsteady.
Solution: Get a new step stool with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Bedroom
Problem: Light near the bed is difficult to reach.
Solution: Place a lamp close to the bed where it can be easily reached.

Problem: Path from your bed to the bathroom is dark.
Solution: Use a nightlight to see where you’re walking. Some nightlights go on by themselves after dark.

Bathroom
Problem: Tub or shower floor is slippery.
Solution: Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.

Problem: Extra support is needed when getting in and out of the tub or up from the toilet.
Solution: Have a handyman install grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.

Other Ways to Prevent Falls

• Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves balance and coordination.
• Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medication you take (even over-the-counter medicines). Some medications can make you sleepy or dizzy.
• Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
• Wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip soles. Avoid slippers and running shoes with thick soles.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Use brighter bulbs (at least 60 watts). Use lampshades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare.
• Use reflecting tape at the top and bottom of the stairs so you can see them better.
• Paint doorsills a different color to prevent tripping.

For more information on Good Shepherd’s Fall Prevention Program, contact us today or call 1-888-44-REHAB.