Is your home a Tripping Hazard? Here's how to make it safe from falls

34 steps to take to make your home fall-proof in every room of the house.

We have all heard the statement, "better safe than sorry." So if you or someone you know has a risk of falling, there's no better time than now to put these tips to work.

Tip #1 - PROPER LIGHTING

1. Always turn on lights before going in to a room.

2. Replace any burned-out light bulbs immediately.

3. Night-lights are inexpensive and invaluable in contributing to visibility at night.

4. Make sure indoor and outdoor walkways are properly lighted, especially at night.

Tip #2 - SECURE WALKWAYS

1. Carpeting should be securely fastened down. Avoid throw rugs.

2. Place non-skid backing on rugs and replace as needed.

3. Place bright, contrasting color tape on the top and bottom steps of stairways.

4. Keep walkways clear of miscellaneous or misplaced objects, especially cords from lights.

5. Don’t take shortcuts off established walkways; they can be dangerous.

6. Be alert to pets and children who can move quickly and unexpectedly.

7. Clean up all spills immediately.

These tips can reduce fall risk up to 75% in the home

Tip #3 - BATHROOM SAFETY

1. Install and use grab bars in the bathroom/shower and on the wall next to the tub/shower.

2. Install non-slips strips or mats in bathtub/shower. Replace as necessary.

3. Grab bars or handrails can be installed by the toilet or use a raised toilet seat with arms.

4. Use a bath bench or sit on the floor to eliminate the need to stand in the shower if needed.

5. Use a hand held shower nozzle to make bathing easier.

Tip #4 - BEDROOM

1. Place a lamp close to the bed where it is easy to reach.

2. Put in a night light so you can see where you are walking.

3. Keep pathways clear of obstacles.

4. Place phone in easy reach of your bed.

One last thing...

If you're worried about the risk of falling, it's important to establish measures to ensure assistance is available in case of a fall. There are several options you can consider for this purpose.

One option is to install an emergency response system. With this system, you would wear a special necklace or bracelet that has a button to alert 911 in case of a fall or emergency. It's worth noting that there is usually a fee associated with this service, and it's typically not covered by insurance.

Another alternative is to carry a fully charged cordless or mobile phone with you as you move around the house. Make sure to have close friends and family members saved on speed dial for quick access. Additionally, you might want to consider setting up a smart home device, such as a small speaker that responds to voice commands when you call its name. These devices can swiftly connect you to your contacts or emergency response teams. Some smartwatches also have the capability to make emergency calls with the push of a button, while others can detect sudden movements resembling a fall and automatically request help. Don't hesitate to ask your family and friends for assistance in setting up these tools.

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