Safety at home

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One of the practical things that you can do to reduce the risk of falls at home is to make some simple modifications in three key areas:

• Lighting
• Tripping
• Slipping

 

Lighting

Poor lighting makes it difficult to see where you’re going and identify potential trip hazards.

• Replace low light bulbs with a higher wattage.
• Install motion-activated lights at entryways and in hallways.
• Use solar-powered lights along garden paths.
• A glow-in-the-dark frame around light switches helps to make them easy to find at night.
• Apply glow-in-the-dark tape to help identify hazards or objects to be aware of.

 

Tripping

Even the smallest things can become a trip hazard. Take a walk through the house and look out for:

• Rugs or carpet lifting at the edges – tape these down with double-sided tape or remove entirely
• Electrical cords running across pathways – move behind furniture or along skirting boards
• Clutter and low tables – put items away, remove small pieces of furniture and use an arm rest caddy to hold books, glasses and remotes
• Steps, uneven paving and level changes – mark these using contrasting tape along the edge
• Pets – add a bell to their collar and look out for them before walking

 

Slipping

Slippery surfaces and inappropriate footwear can easily lead to a fall. Simple changes can include:

• Wear well-fitting, comfortable flat shoes
• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom, shower and other wet areas
• Install handrails in the shower or bath
• Keep pathways clear of leaves and grass clippings
• Clean up spills as soon as they happen