How Does Your Home Rate on Fall Prevention Safety? A Room-by-Room Guide
We’ve all read about things we can do to avoid unnecessary slip and fall accidents in our home, but how closely have you looked at specifics. Here are a few things you can do in your home, you may not have thought of, addressed or knew would assist you in being falls free in and around your home:
- Ensure exterior pathways are free of holes, loose stones/bricks, uneven pavement, debris or other slipping hazards.
- All entrances are clutter free.
- Handrails are present on both sides of all steps and stairways both inside and outside the home.
- Kitchen cabinets are easily accessible, with frequently used items placed on lower shelves.
- Uncarpeted steps feature a non-slip surface such as adhesive strips.
- Electrical and phone cords are placed out of the way, along the wall.
- Hallway lighting is easily accessible.
- Safety grab bars are present at shower entry and interior of shower as needed.
- Bathroom rugs should be rubber, based, non-slip. Bathroom floors, tubs and shower surfaces are treated with non-slip product to ensure increased COF (Coefficient of Friction), when surfaces are wet – critically reducing fall risk – Note: The Bathroom is the number one place for falls in the home).
- Access to telephones both landline and/or mobile in or near multiple rooms, including the bathroom.
- Furniture should be arranged to allow for easy, obstacle free passage.
- Do doorways safely accommodate walkers, wheelchairs and/or transport chairs?
If you or a loved one is uncertain about falls risk factors in your home, schedule a free home safety assessment today, performed by a MEASURAbilities Home Safety Physical Therapist, who will provide clinically guided solutions for you in your environment.
Learn About Our Home Safety Assessments Performed by a Physical Therapist
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