Issue 3 - Fall - Providence Washington - Providence Health & Services

Home, Safe HomePrevent falls with a few quick fixesAnyone can trip and take a tumble, but falls are more common inolder adults. In fact, thousands of older Americans fall in their ownhomes every year. Many of these accidents—and the potential for arelated injury—can be prevented. Here are some simple solutions:Live Healthyat Any AgeFor more tips on healthy seniorliving, visit phc.org, thenchoose “Health Information.”In theBedroom• Make sure your bedsidelamp is easy to reach.• Consider having night lightsin the bedroom and hallway,especially if you get up oftenat night. Many have lightsensors that turn them onand off automatically.In theKitchen• Put the items you use mostoften within easy reach, atabout waist height.• If you need a step stool,make sure it’s sturdy andincludes a bar to hold on to.• Keep a “grabber tool”handy for reaching itemsthat are hard to get to.In theBathroom• Use a nonslip rubbermat or adhesive stripson the floor of the showeror bathtub.• Install grab bars inside thebathtub and next to thetoilet. A raised toilet seatmight also be helpful.On the Floor• If you use throw rugs, either get rid of them orsecure them with double-sided tape. They’re amajor trip hazard. The same is true for rippedcarpeting—repair or replace it.• Don’t leave shoes, books or other clutter lyingaround. Put items away so your path is clear.• Secure electrical cords and phone cords alongthe wall instead of running them across the room.If needed, have an expert install extra outlets.• Use nonskid wax if you wax your floors.On the Stairs• Fix uneven or broken stairs right away.• Make sure there are handrails on both sides of allstairways, even if your porch only has a couple ofsteps. Repair or replace handrails if they’re loose.• Install bright lighting, with switches at both the topand bottom of the stairs. If you can’t reach light fixtures,ask someone to replace burned-out bulbs.• If possible, paint a contrasting color on the topedge of every step to improve visibility.• Don’t leave items sitting on the stairway.Fall 2012 Heart Beat ● 9