Tips to Avoid Falls at Home

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 13 Mar 2005 - 8:00 PDT

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When it comes to household safety, it pays to be proactive. In the United States, about 30,000 people die each year as a result of injuries at home. Falls are responsible for about one-third of home injury fatalities. Older adults are often more susceptible to falling because of a decline in mobility and balance.

The March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers tips to minimize chances of falling at home.

* Light your way. Keep all areas, especially hallways and stairways, well lit. Use nightlights and have a flashlight handy in case of power outages.

* Keep pathways clear. Arrange furniture to allow for easy movement. Remove boxes, newspapers, cords, baskets and general clutter from high-traffic areas. Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good repair.

* Secure rugs and flooring. Secure loose rugs and carpets with tacks or a slip-resistant backing. Remove small throw rugs. Repair frayed carpet and loose floorboards.

* Safeguard stairways. Make sure all stairways have sturdy railings and that steps have a nonskid surface.

*Enhance bathroom safety. Install grab bars in your shower or tub and near your toilet. Use nonskid mats in the shower or tub.

* Keep necessities handy. Store clothing, dishes, food and other everyday items within easy reach.

Here are highlights from the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic.

To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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