Home Safety and Fall Prevention Tips

Most people want to age in the comfort of their own home. If you want to stay in your own home for as long as possible these tips should help.

You certainly do not want to fall and risk an injury. Most serious falls occur in and around the home. Some simple precautions may help maintain your independence and reduce your risk of falling at home.

A Checklist For Preventing Falls in Your Home…

Stairways – • Make sure all handrails are securely fastened.• Both sides of the steps should have handrails.• Stairways should be evenly and brightly lit.

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Floors and rugs -• Make sure all floor are even and free of clutter.• Rugs, including area rugs, must be secured to the floor with tacks, non-skid pads or double-sided tape. • Keep frequently traveled paths of furniture as it may present a tripping hazard.

Bathroom - • Place non-slip strips in bath/ shower.• Mount grab bars at the toilet, bath and shower on walls with secure reinforcements, to prevent the bars from coming loose. • Keep the floor dry and always keep a phone handy.

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Kitchen - • Items that you use frequently should be easy to reach.• Heavy items should be kept at waste height.• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy and familiarize yourself with use and safety instructions.

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Lighting - • Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and stairways.• Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.• Place a lamp and telephone, within easy reach, near your bed.

Outside of your home - • Repair holes, uneven joints on walkways.• Stairs and walkways should be free of leaves, snow, and ice. Use salt and/or sand throughout the winter months.• Make sure outside lighting is working in entryways and walkways. Use motion sensing lights to prevent waste.• Check that handrails are securely fastened. Both sides of steps should have handrails.

Resources - • Many states and local communities have low or no-interest loans, tax credits or other programs for home modifications for those who are older or disabled. • Many Area Agencies on Aging also offer a variety of services for assessing the safety of your home and making the appropriate modifications to prevent falls. • To find out more about what’s available in your own community, contact the key resources listed below.

http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/aging/index.asp – Middlesex County Dept. of Aginghttp://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/sa_aaa.shtml – Area Agencies on Aginghttp://www.state.nj.us/health/ – Dept. of Health and Senior Services

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