Did You Know that Over 50% of Falls in Australia occur in the Home?
Follow this Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Falling at Home regardless of your age or your health status.
Reducing Risk of Falls in Your Bedroom.
- Keep an easy to source of light near your bed e.g. lamp.
- Remove any tripping hazards and loose items off the floor.
- Use curtains or blinds to decrease daytime glare.
- Install a bedside grab/rail if you are at risk of falling at night.
- If bathroom is too far, get a bedside commode.
Reducing Risk of Falls around Stairs and Hallways.
- Ensure adequate lighting along the route from bedroom to bathroom (consider leaving lights on or installing night lights).
- Install hand rails to hold onto when climbing up and down stairs.
- Apply anti-slip strips to the edges of each stairs for extra grip.
- Replace any torn carpets and remove/secure rugs and matts.
Reducing Risk of Falls in the Bathroom.
- Utilise non-slip bath mats on floors near tub or shower.
- Install grab bars near toilet and inside bathtub and shower.
- Place a seat riser on the toilet to make it easier to get on and off it.
- Use a shower chair and handheld shower head while bathing.
Reducing Risk of Falls in the Kitchen.
- Move things so they’re within easy reach so that you avoid climbing onto a kitchen chair.
- Use dining chairs that have armrests and no wheels.
- Don’t clean with a high-gloss wax floor protector.
Reducing Risk of Falls in the Living Room.
- Move cords and other objects out of the hallways.
- Use a cushion or stand assists if your chair is too low to stand from.
- Keep frequently used items within reach.
- Remove throw rugs and mats or have them secured.
- Check where your pets are before you move.
Reducing Risk of Falls in Outdoors.
- Repair cracked sidewalks.
- Install handrails and antislip strips on stairs and steps.
- Trim shrubbery along the pathway to your home.
- Install adequate lighting by doorways and along walkways to doors.