Checklist 2f

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Fall Prevention Checklist

Here is a checklist for evaluating the safety of your home environment:

Do an assessment of each area to help “fall-proof” the home, removing tripping hazards, a common cause of falls, and making other minor corrections to improve safety.

Don’t forget to do a special check of potential tripping hazards during the holiday seasons each year, when furniture is often moved around, and decorations are put up in different places.

Outside the home

Repair holes, cracks, loose bricks or uneven joints in walkways.

Arrange to keep walkways clear of leaves, snow or ice.

Increase lighting along pathways and entrances.

Make sure doorways and thresholds are easily navigated.

Install secure handrails on both sides of all steps.

All Rooms

Lighting

Increase lighting, especially in halls, entrances, and stairs, both top and bottom.

Keep lighting uniform in each room, adding light to dark spaces.

Install night lights in the halls and bathrooms. Motion-activated lights are even better and are now available at reasonable costs.

Ensure lighting is readily available when getting up in the middle of the night.

Consider replacing traditional toggle switches with rocker-style switches.

Stairs

Both sides of stairs should have securely fastened handrails.

Replace worn carpeting or add nonslip adhesive strips to uncarpeted stair treads.

Make sure light switches are installed at both top and bottom of all stairs.

Keep stairs clear, free from all objects.

Bathrooms

Place non-skid surfaces in the tub or shower.

Make sure grab bars are properly installed in the tub and/or shower and are next to toilets.

Add non-skid backing to rugs or bathmats on surfaces that may get wet.

Set hot water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding.

Install adjustable-height shower heads; consider adding shower/tub seat.

Place nightlight or automatic light switch near entrance.

Bedrooms

Put a non-tip lamp on the bedside table, with room for eyeglasses.

Have a steady, comfortable chair to aid in dressing.

Ensure a clear path from the bed to bathroom.

Make sure closets are well-lit, with easy-to-use adjustable rods and shelves.

Kitchen

Place non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove.

Make sure often-used items, such as food items and dishes, are within easy reach.

Create an area for sitting during food preparation, with ample task lighting.

If a step stool is used to get stored items, make sure it has a bar to hold on to.