Falls at home injure or kill thousands of adults every year. But there are simple things like securing stairways and using non-slip mats in your bathrooms you can do to prevent falls and keep your home safe.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number one cause for injury deaths among older adults is falling. And although most of those falls happen at home, they don’t always just happen to seniors. There are a few easy steps you can take around your home to make it accident free. And the first place to look is your own steps.
Make sure all stairs and steps, no matter the size or number, have a secured handrail and are well-lit.
Check the wattage on all your bulbs to make sure they’re bright enough for the area they’re covering. In areas that see traffic in the middle of the night, such as the bathroom, kitchen and hallways leading to themâ plug in a few nightlights, and don’t skimp.
With water in the mix, bathrooms become especially important. When these surfaces are dry, they’re no problem but you get them wet and it’s a different ballgame.
Tile can be very dangerous. Use a rubberized mat with a surface on the bottom that won’t slide.
Tubs and showers need similar treatments. Buy a rubber or vinyl mat with suction cups on them. Get them wet, clean the surface and push them down, and this mat’s not going anywhere, and neither are you.
For the tub, pick up some of these cool decals/safety strips. Just peel off the backing and stick them on for a firm footing.
If at all possible, have a grab bar installed in your bathroom, near the tub. That’ll give you something stable to hold onto getting in and out.
And remember, never expect towel racks to support your weight.
Small rugs in the house are another tripping hazard. If at all possible, avoid using them. If you already have a few, just tape them to the floor so they don’t slip.
Last but not least always clean up your spills and try to keep your house clutter free. Stuff all over the floor is a surefire recipe for disaster.