SIMPLE SOLUTIONS: - The Hartford

Mobility and Balance SolutionsWho among us hasn’t had a bum knee or abad back at some point? As we age, thechances of those injuries or ailments arelikely to increase. Arthritis, too, may take itstoll, causing stiffness and pain that canimpede our daily activities.Compounding the mobility problem is thefact that our sense of balance can get a littlewobbly from age, disease or medication. Theresult can be a debilitating fall.To address these issues of mobility andbalance, take a look at how these solutionscan help maintain a balance of safety andcomfort in the home.Design and Other Ideas• A dense, level-loop carpet glued directlyto the floor without a pad will providegreater stability and better mobilitythan deep, heavy pile carpeting and athick pad.• Many accidents occur on stairs, whenpeople lose their balance or fail to recognizethe last step or two. In additionto assuring there is sufficient lighting,install handrails with ends that curve intoward the wall and extend past the laststep, on both sides of the stairs. Thesewill provide support as well as providewarning that the last step is underfoot.Products1Avoid using throw rugs, a source ofslips, trips and falls. If throw rugsmust be used, secure them withdouble-sided carpet tape, self-stickcarpet mesh, or sprays. ($2 - $120)Suppliers: CMP, HMT, IMP, PLO,QVC, TAY• Eliminate thresholds between differentflooring materials and between roomsto eliminate a tripping hazard.15