The Basics on Fall-Proofing Your Home

To reduce the chances of a tumble, reduce or eliminate clutter, slippery surfaces, and glass tables with unprotected edges along all pathways. And are there are cordless phones everywhere in case someone falls when they are alone. Preventing falls is all about being conscious of your surroundings.

Falls can trip up people of all ages, but according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most falls happen in the home to people age 65 and older during everyday activities. Eight out of 10 of those killed by falls are over age 65, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among the very elderly, those over age 80. Falls are also the leading cause of injury and hospital admission for older adults.

Start at the front-door, that is the best place to start fall-proofing your home is at the front door. Many people have trouble here because there may not be handrails on the steps to the front door.

However, even with handrails on both sides of your steps, you will still have people tumbling into your home if there isn't bright contrast where the door jamb meets the floor. Vary the colors and textures on the floor to help accentuate height differences and level changes.

Make a living room livable: deep pile carpeting and rugs have got to go. And while the thought of having shag carpeting in a house may turn some decorator's stomachs, it may also increase the chances of a fall. Shag carpeting can cause falls by getting caught on shoes, toenails and walkers.

Remember these points when fall-proofing your living and family rooms:

Glass tables are especially dangerous. You may receive further injuries if you fall onto one and the glass shatters. Your best bet: sturdy wooden tables with rounded corners.

Arrange furniture to provide open pathways.
Keep electrical and telephone cords out of walkways.

Remove hazards. Harmless-looking items like a child's crayon or a magazine on the floor can easily cause a fall.

Wipe away water and immediately clean up spills. Wet surfaces may not appear dangerous until you step on them — and then it's too late.

Heed these tips to stay safe in your kitchen and bathrooms:

Clean up grease, water and other liquids immediately. Don't wax floors.

Avoid climbing and reaching to high cabinets or shelves, or use a sturdy step stool with handrails.

Always keep a night-light on in your bathroom.

Use bathroom rugs with nonskid backing.
Install grab bars by toilets and in the shower and tub.

Vary the colors in your bathroom. Having a white tub, white toilet and white walls is a big safety hazard, if everything is one color, add bright decals and even red tape so older adults can see where the edges are.

Be sure shower stalls have code standard shatterproof glass.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that there are approximately 35,700 deaths each year from complications from hip fractures. Surprisingly, 24 percent of all people suffering from a hip fracture die within a year of the fall. Another 50 percent never return to their prior level of mobility or independence.

Don't let clutter accumulate: "Older adults are great at being pack rats," says Virginia Burggraf, a member of the board of directors for the National Gerontological Nurses Association. Children or friends of aging adults can help prevent falls by safely packing away or storing excess furniture or knickknacks.

In addition, older adults who are depressed, ill or lonely may not clean their home as frequently and may let clutter pile up, says Burggraf. Interaction with others helps keep people physically and mentally fit.

Dr. William Abraham, an orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers Surgical Associates in Pittsburgh, agrees that being active helps keep your joints limber, possibly reducing falls.

Abraham suggests involving older adults in your activities whenever possible. "Involve them in your life," he says. "You can say, 'We're going out today and we're going to bring you along.'"

Kids can cause a tumble: What do pets, kids and leaves have in common? They all have the potential to cause a frightening fall. When leaves get wet, they're like walking on a banana peel!

And kids and pets alike can frequently trip up a person. Many older adults to have pets, but they must be disciplined not to jump on them. Visiting children may also leave toys scattered increasing the chance of an adults fall. When grandchildren visit, be sure they pitch in and put toys away.

Most falls occur from tripping over misplaced items, falling on slippery floors, or factors related to osteoporosis. As we age, changes in our vision, hearing, muscle coordination and reflexes make us more likely to fall.

Laura Wilkinson's grandmother, 82, lost her balance while standing on a ladder picking apples. She fell, hit her head and suffered a permanent brain injury. She can no longer walk or talk. "She was active and full of life before this tragedy happened," says Wilkinson, a safety specialist with the National Safety Council.

Falls can be prevented, with a conscious effort, each of us can help make our home free from falls and safe from slips.

(Adapted from an article originally appearing in the Fall 2000 issue of Family Safety & Health magazine. The Basics on Fall-Proofing Your Home by Sharon Lewis)

Other great Home Safety Checklists are available from:

The Center for Disease Control

The Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service

MetLife: Since You Care

Find a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. (CAPS)
A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, aging in place home modifications, common remodeling projects, and solutions to common barriers.