HOME ASSESSMENT AND MODIFICATION
- 60% of falls happen at home (National Institute of Health SeniorHealth, 2013)
- Home assessment results in 21% reduction in falls (Pighills, Torgerson, Sheldon, Drummond, & Bland, 2011)
- Interior and exterior of the home needs to assessed for environmental fall risk factors (Elliot, Painter, & Hudson, 2009)
- Home hazard identification and management by a physical or occupational therapist (Pighills, Torgerson, Sheldon, Drummond, & Bland, 2011)
STEPS FOR HOME SAFETY (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, 2016)
- Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
- Install handrails and lights on all staircases.
- Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Put grab bars inside and next to the tub or shower and next to your toilet.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
- Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
