Fall Safety Checklist for Home

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Put fall safety at the top of your home improvement to-do list. Easy changes and repairs can yield huge benefits for those who live there and their guests. According to the CDC, factors in the home environment contribute to about 50% of falls. Most are simple to fix, but frequently overlooked. It’s time to make fall safety a top priority. Start by using this helpful checklist.

Interior View Of Contemporary Lounge With Staircase

Outdoor Fall Safety

â—» Provide plenty of lighting at all pathways, entrances and doors

â—» Keep sidewalks and walkways in good repair – replace or fix broken or uneven areas

â—» Remove large weeds, protruding roots, overgrowth of shrubs and trees, and any debris such as sticks/branches, rocks and leaves from all pathways

  • Note: Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice

â—» Clear snow and ice and use sand/salt to add traction

â—» Clean up oil-based spills to prevent slippery areas on concrete or asphalt

Indoor Fall Safety

Floors

â—» Wipe up spills immediately

â—» Remove all clutter from the floor including shoes, papers, magazines, etc.

â—» Move and secure wires and cables so they are out of the way and off the floor

â—» Remove throw rugs. If they must be used, they need to be well secured with non-slip backing or double-sided carpet tape and checked frequently.

â—» Repair and replace worn carpet

â—» Install carpeting that is dense with a low pile

â—» Select no wax, non-skid flooring

Kitchen

â—» Rearrange storage and place frequently used items in cabinets and on shelves that are closest to waist height to prevent excessive reaching and bending

â—» If needed, use a sturdy step stool, preferably one with a handle, instead of a chair to reach items on higher shelves

Bathroom

â—» Use a non-slip mat or anti-skid surface on and outside the tub and shower floor

â—» Install grab bars in the shower area and next to the toilet

â—» Raise the toilet height. Learn about the benefits of correct toilet height here.

Bedroom

â—» Have a bedside lamp to turn on before getting out of bed in the dark

â—» Use nightlights

Lighting and Electrical

â—» Have enough light so that it is evenly distributed in each room or space – prevent areas with shadows and glare

â—» Replace any burned out bulbs with energy efficient and longer lasting LED bulbs 

â—» Have light switches and electrical outlets at locations that are easy to access

Steps and Stairs – interior and exterior

For further information, look at these step & stair solutions

â—» Remove all objects from steps

â—» Repair steps including making steps as even as possible

â—» Have good lighting – ideally a light that can be controlled from a switch at both the top and bottom of the steps

â—» Make sure carpet is well-attached to each step 

â—» Apply anti-slip treatment or non-slip treads to uncarpeted stairs

â—» Have handrails that are easily reached on both sides of steps

â—» Tighten handrails frequently

â—» Have a contrasting color on each step edge for better visibility

Other fall safety tips

â—» Avoid low furniture. Use furniture with sturdy armrests. This article details ways to raise low seats. Here’s another about the benefits of optimal seat height.

â—» Avoid carrying things in your hands while walking. Instead place items in a pocket or shoulder bag.

â—» Wear flat, sturdy, well-fitting shoes with wide, low, non-slip soles as much as possible

â—» Do not rush to answer the phone or door

â—» Carry a cell phone or wear an alarm device or smart watch that could be used in case of a fall or other emergency

About the Author

As a home health Physical Therapist for over 20 years, I help clients solve home dilemmas so they can live their best life.

I'm here to use that same problem-solving expertise and training as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist to help you create an optimized home that's forward-thinking and future-ready to support you and your loved ones well for a lifetime.

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