Injury Prevention Program

Preventing Falls

Northwest Washington Indian Health Board

Non-profit organization Governed by representatives

from 5 tribes: Lummi, Nooksack, Upper Skagit, Samish and Swinomish

We have four programs: Environmental Health, Injury Prevention, Healthy Heart and Diabetes Program

Northwest Washington Indian Health Board

Injury Prevention Program is funded by the I.H.S. TIPCAP

What YOU can do to

Prevent Falls

Preventing

Falls

Many falls can be prevented

By making simple changes, YOU can reduce your risk of falling.

Things you can do to prevent falls

Engage in a regular exercise program

Things you can do to prevent falls

Engage in a regular exercise program

Things you can do to prevent Falls

With your doctor, review the medicines you take.

Use a daily medication management system – Medi-set

Things you can do to prevent falls

Have your vision checked regularly

Things you can do to prevent falls

Make your home free of hazards.

Floors: Look at the floor in each room

When you walk through a room do you have to walk around furniture? Ask someone to move

furniture so your path is clear

Do you have throw rugs on the floor? Remove rugs or use a

non-slip backing so rugs won’t slip.

Stairs and Steps: Look at the stairs you use, both inside & outside.

Are you missing a light over the stairway?

Are the handrails loose or broken?

Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?

Bedrooms: Look at all your bedrooms

Is the light near the bed hard to reach?

Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark and or cluttered?

Bathrooms: Look at all your bathrooms.

Is the tub or shower floor slippery?

Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or get up from the toilet?

Kitchen: Look at your kitchen and eating area.

Are the things you use often on high shelves?

Avoid using ladders and stools.

Preventing Falls

Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.

Wear shoes both inside and outside the house.

Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.

Preventing falls

Use a walker or cane

Preventing Falls

Improve the lighting in your home. Put in brighter bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use.

It’s safest to have uniform lighting in a room. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.

More Safety Tips

Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone. Dial 911 for emergency.

Use Home medical emergency monitoring – pendants or bracelets

Fire Safety – What you should know

If a fire occurred in your home, would your smoke alarm work?

Fire Safety – Does everyone know what to do in case of a

fire?

Practice Fire Drills at home.

Fire Safety - Cooking

Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries & the third leading cause of fire deaths among older adults.

Call 9-1-1. Do Not try to extinguish the fire

Fire Safety - Smoking

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among people aged 65 and older.

Designate an area to smoke. use large non-tip ashtrays

and soak cigarette butts and ashes before discarding.

Never smoke in bed

Fire Safety – Electrical Safety

Don’t overload electrical outlets/circuits

Questions?