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
Related Posts
Are Office Safety Assessments a Thing for Senior Workers?
Most people think of evaluations for heavy machinery, warehouse work, or construction sites when they think about office safety assessments. But the truth is that safety in the office is important for people of all ages, but especially for older workers. As the workforce gets older and more experienced workers stay on the job longer, [...]
Keeping Healthy For Seniors 2025
Here’s your comprehensive guide to remaining healthy as a senior in 2025, blending actionable strategies with evidence-based insights: 🌟 Benefits of Healthy Aging Modern research shows that lifestyle choices, like staying active, eating well, maintaining social engagement, and managing stress, have a greater impact on longevity than genetics—especially in later decades. New York Post+15Barron's+15Vibrant Life [...]
The Vital Role Of Clinician Insight In Home Modifications and Accessibility Solutions
In today’s age of Amazon and direct access to durable medical equipment (DME), it’s tempting to assume that anyone can set up a safe and accessible home for individuals with mobility or health challenges. However, a recent experience reinforced for me the irreplaceable value of a trained eye when planning home modifications. As a seasoned [...]