Is your home safe? More than half of older Americans who insult themselves by falling do so at home. To reduce the risk of falling in your home, you need to make sure that you have done everything possible to make your home as safe as possible. To make this task easier, it will help to divide your home into six distinct areas. The six areas to consider are floors, stairs, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and garage.

Floors

You need to make sure your floors are clean, dry, and free of obstructions that could cause you to trip. Pick up any magazines, books, or other loose items that may be in your way. Accent rugs are usually a no-no, but if you must have them, make sure they’re secured with anti-slip tape designed for this purpose. Be careful with wires and telephone wires, as they can go under your feet too easily. Try to arrange your furniture so that your path is clear.

Stairs

The stairs must be free of obstacles such as shoes, papers or anything else. Stairs should be well lit and have at least one handrail strong enough to support your body weight. There should be a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs so you don’t get stuck in the dark. Replace loose carpeting and repair loose or broken steps.

bedroom

Furniture in the bedroom should also be arranged so that each area is easily accessible. If you use a wheelchair or walker, make sure there is room to maneuver them freely without obstruction. There should be a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom and consider motion-sensing night lights to light your way in the dark. There should be a lamp within arm’s reach of the bed.

bathroom

Bathrooms tend to get wet, so make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. Your tub/shower should have a non-slip surface. Properly positioned and installed grab bars are a must. Also, consider a shower bench and a removable shower nozzle to help you reach those “hard to reach” places. A grab bar or raised toilet seat for the toilet is also a great idea.

Kitchen

You may have heard that most accidents in the home happen in the kitchen. Well, the truth is that it is where we spend most of our time and also where we are most active. Items in your cabinets should be arranged so that heavy or bulky items are kept low and smaller items are kept high. I’m not a fan of stools, but if you must have one, make sure it’s sturdy and designed for the surface it’s going to be on. Rushing creates waste, so take your time and make multiple trips to get food and plates on the table. Try to carry too much and you could end up on the floor with all your fine china.

Garage

Well, we can’t forget the garage, after all, it is part of the house. Remember that a clean garage is a happy garage. Keep heavy tools low and within easy reach. Make sure trash cans are easily accessible and if you park your car(s) in the garage, make sure there is enough space to walk around them. If you cannot fully open the car doors to get in or out, return to the driveway before taking passengers.

Remember that even with the most secure home, the risk of falls and injuries is still real. If you are over 65 and live alone, you must have a Medical Alert System to protect you in an emergency. At Alert 365 we like to say that we sell products that we hope will never be used. It’s like a seat belt, you never really appreciate it until you need it.