Accident Prevention Team (ACAP) - Yourcarehome.co.uk

FALLS
Accident Prevention
Team (ACAP)
‘DON’T FALL - WALK TALL’

Outdoors
Access to your home
Can you step into your front door without
upsetting your balance or finding it a struggle? Yes No
Does your driveway or path have an uneven/poor
surface or a steep gradient? Yes No
Do you have an outside light for when it starts
to get dark? Yes No
Are the tools/equipment you need outside easy
to reach without you having to bend or stretch? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• The fitting of a suitably placed grab rail may assist you stepping in
and out of your front/back door.
• Put down any loads you are carrying before tackling the step.
• Get as close to the door as possible before using the key.
• Be aware of any weather conditions which may affect your balance and
grip when walking outside i.e. icy or wet conditions – where possible have
another person with you when mobilising outdoors.
• If your pathways/driveways are uneven or have a steep gradient contact
your local council. Your Occupational Therapist can help you with your
request.
• A security light will not only add to your protection but will respond to
your movement, providing you with light when natural light is dim. Try to
avoid going outside alone where light is poor.
• Have your washing line at a practical height and preferably on a hard
standing. Keep all tools/equipment in an organised manner, where they are
easy to reach without bending or stretching.

Are the stair carpet and runners securely fitted? Yes No
Are banister rails securely fitted to the walls? Yes No
Can you manage the stairs with the rails you have? Yes No
Are the stairs well lit with a switch at the top and
bottom of the stairs? Yes No
Are the stairs free of objects or obstacles? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• Secure loose carpet edges with double sided carpet tape.
• An additional banister rail or grab rail are of benefit if you find
managing the stairs difficult.
• Always use the lights, if you still have difficulty seeing the edge of the
steps ask somebody to secure a brightly coloured, non slip tape on
the edge of each step. Install nightlights on stairs, hallway and landing.
• Keep the stairs, hallways and landings clear of obstacles.
• If you use a walking aid, make sure there is one at the top and bottom
of the staircase don’t carry it while managing the stairs.
• Don’t attempt the stairs unless you are able to.
Consider moving downstairs.

Bedroom
Can you get in and out of bed without difficulty? Yes No
Can you easily reach your walking aid before you
get out of bed? Yes No
Can you reach a light without getting out of bed? Yes No
Is your bedroom far from a toilet? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• Beds should be at a good height with a firm mattress. Do not pile
several mattresses on your bed.
• If you use your walking aid, ensure you can reach it from your bed.
• If you do not have a light you can reach from your bed, keep a torch
close by – remember to keep spare batteries close by as well.
• If your bed is a considerable distance from a toilet,consider a commode
by your bed.
• Keep regularly used items in cupboards that are easy to reach.
• Use bed linen that is warm but lightweight – its easier to make the bed
with. Make sure it doesn’t trail along the floor.

Bathroom
Do you have a non slip mat for the bath/shower? Yes No
Do you find getting in and out of your bath difficult? Yes No
Do you have any equipment in your shower or bath,
such as a seat or grab rails? Yes No
Do you have to bend or reach for the items you require
when bathing/showering? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• A non slip mat provides extra grip.
• Bathing/showering equipment such as rails and seats are available if
you find it difficult to get in and out of the bath, or are unable to stand
while showering. Your Occupational Therapist can advise.
• If you have equipment, check it is secure and remains in good condition.
• Keep all soaps, shampoos and showerheads at a height that is
accessible without reaching. Make sure that they are in place before
getting in.
• Don’t drip or spray water, this adds to surfaces becoming slippery.
• Dry yourself while in the bath/shower. Let the water drain before
standing. If you need a mat to stop you slipping
make sure it is secure.
• Have a bath/shower when somebody can be in
the house with you.

Toilet
Do you have a toilet upstairs and downstairs? Yes No
Can you get on and off your toilet without difficulty? Yes No
Do you have any equipment to help you, such as a
raised seat or a grab rail? Yes No
If you use a walking frame, is there room for you
to take it into the toilet? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• If you do not have a toilet on both levels of your home and find the stairs
difficult, consider having a commode. Remember – you will need to be
able to empty it!
• Your toilet seat can be raised to make it easier to get on and off. Rails
can also be fitted to assist you when getting on and off the toilet.
• If you already have equipment, make sure that it is secure and remains
in good condition.
• If you use a walking frame and your toilet is too small for you to use it in
there, it would be better left outside. Have rails fitted to hold onto instead.
• Don’t hold onto the sink or radiator when using the toilet, these
eventually detach themselves. The radiator may also scald you.

Kitchen
Can you reach the kitchen items you need without
bending, climbing or upsetting your balance? Yes No
Do you find lifting heavy objects difficult? Yes No
Are you able to sit down in your kitchen? Yes No
Do you mop up spills immediately? Yes No
Are you able to see your cooker dials? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• Rearrange your kitchen so the most frequently used items are within
easy reach. Avoid having to climb steps, but if you have no choice,
use sturdy steps designed for reaching, don’t use a chair or stool.
• Put heavy items in lower cupboards and use work surfaces to
transport them from one place to another – avoid carrying them.
If you use a walking aid, such as a frame – don’t carry items while
using the aid. You should either use the work surface or have a
specialised kitchen trolley. Use lightweight kettles and ovenware
where possible.
• If you don’t have room for a table in the kitchen, a higher stool will
allow you to sit down while carrying out tasks and eat your meals in
the kitchen, rather than having to carry them to another room.
• Use a long handled mop to clean spills
immediately.
• Make your own sign for the cooker to show
whether it is on or off. Leave a note where
you’ll see it to remind you to turn the gas off.

Lounge
Can you get out of your armchair easily? Yes No
Can you reach all appliances/sockets easily? Yes No
Is your carpet free from loose rugs? Yes No
Are the areas you walk around free from trailing
wires and flexes? Yes No
SUGGESTIONS
• High chairs with armrests are easier to get in and out of. Often the
preferred chair is the most comfortable to sit in, however, this is usually
lower and softer, making it difficult to get out of.
• Stand using the arms of the chair for support – not your walking aid.
Your walking aid is at a height for when you are standing, therefore it is
too high to be of use when you are sitting down. Walking frames will tip
if you use them to help you stand.
• Consider having electric sockets repositioned at a higher level. If this is
not possible, use a long handled appliance, such as an easy reach, to
turn low or high switches on.
• Loose rugs should either be removed or secured with double sided
carpet tape.
• Trailing flexes need to clipped back/secured down.

Clothing and Footwear
Do you wear shoes with non slip soles? Yes No
Do you wear flat, supportive shoes, or shoes with Yes No
a broad sole?
Do you wear slippers that are the right size Yes No
and fit properly?
Do your clothes fit securely with no trailing hems Yes No
or cords?
SUGGESTIONS
• Wear rubber soled shoes as they are safer than leather or foam
soled.
• Wear sturdy, supportive shoes, either flat or with a sensible heel.
• Wear well fitting slippers that fully enclose the foot. Avoid walking
around the house without wearing shoes or slippers.
• Make sure that clothing and nightwear is short enough to avoid
tripping.Sit down rather than stand when pulling clothes over the
head or legs to dress.

SOME BRIGHT IDEAS ON SAFETY
FOR ALL AREAS OF YOUR HOME
• Keep all doorways clear so that they can open to their full range.
• Keep areas as clutter free as possible.
• Avoid carrying anything awkward or too heavy unless you have
specialised equipment to transport items.
• Good lighting is essential to safety. You may wish to use a light bulb of a
higher wattage.
• Ensure all cables are fitted securely to the wall. Use an extension lead
rather than stretch a cable.
• Remove all rugs, mats and loose carpet unless secured with
specialised double sided carpet tape.
• Do not use furniture to support yourself that is not substantial or secure.
• Avoid reaching or bending excessively, for example opening top windows
or cleaning skirting boards.
• Have a telephone in as many rooms as possible. Don’t have them too
high, you will not be able to reach them if you a have fall.

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MOVE
AND MOBILISE SAFELY
WHEN STANDING FROM SITTING
• Wriggle your bottom to the edge of the seat.
• Place both hands on your knees, armrests or on the base of the
support (chair) you are sitting on.
• Place your feet shoulder width apart, to help your balance.
• Lean forwards with your upper body, so your head goes past your
knees.
• Push off the seat by pushing through your feet.
• Let your feet take the weight.
• Try not to fix your gaze on the floor when standing, look across the
other side of the room.
• Pause when standing, before starting to walk.
• Do not hold onto anything that is not stable when walking.
• If you still find standing difficult you may require adaptations for your
seating. Your Occupational Therapist can advise you.
When Walking
• Concentrate on the route ahead so as to avoid obstacles.
Try to avoid carrying awkward, unnecessary things when walking.
• If you use a walking aid, use it to gain
maximum benefit. Check that it is the right height
for you and that your ferrule isn’t worn down.
• Don’t hold onto anything unstable for support
when walking. If you feel you need
assistance, you may need a walking aid.

Linking you to
Community Team Members
• Regular Eye Test • Medication Review
• Footcare - Footwear • Keeping Active
Neighbourhood
Renewal Unit
ACAP
For further information call.
01282 867121
or email: yvonne.skellernfoster@nhs.net
Special thanks to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Falls Prevention
Programme for kind permission to use their marketing materials