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