In and Around the Home

Keeping Your Loved One Safe at Home Reducing the Risk of Accidents and Falls for Seniors

• All floor mats should have a rubberized backing to grip the floor.
• Spills should be cleaned up as soon as they occur.
• Do not store any objects where your loved one can’t reach them without using a step stool.
• Eliminate throw rugs.
• Have ample space for your loved one to walk between furniture.
• Make sure chairs throughout the house are sturdy enough to support your loved one, and if possible, make sure they all have armrests.
• Keep all electrical cords out of the way.
• Keep a night light on at all times.
• Install rails in the bathtub or shower.
• Encourage your loved one to use a tub seat or shower chair with a hand-held shower head, especially those who are unsteady on their feet.
• Place a non skid mat in the shower or bathtub.
• Keep all stairways free of clutter.
• Watch for slippery pavement, spills, and puddles when outdoors.
• Seniors should be alert to unexpected hazards in their way, such as children and pets.
• Make sure your loved one’s bedroom remains above 65 degrees at night. Colder rooms may cause body temperature to drop, leading to dizziness when getting out of bed.
• If your loved one gets up frequently during the night to use the restroom, you may want to keep a commode chair near the bed. Falls occur more frequently at night when seniors hurry to the restroom.
• Ensure that your loved one uses sleeping medications with caution. Many of these can cause dizziness and may contribute to falls and unsteadiness.