You can make your home safer and help yourself stay steady and independent.
The Living Room
The living room is the heart of the home and it is where we tend to relax, but it is also where clutter can collect. A few adjustments here can make your relaxation time much safer.
- Keep floor areas free of books, papers, and shoes.
- Tape down electrical cords or run them behind furniture so they are not underfoot.
- Move furniture, like coffee tables, chairs, or plant stands, so that you have plenty of room to walk freely without having to zigzag.
The Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a place of rest. Making it safe ensures that when you wake up, you are off to a great start.
- Your bed should be at a height where it is easy to get in and out of. If it is too high or too low, it can be helpful to talk with a loved one about adjusting it.
- Place a lamp within easy reach of your bed. If you need to get up in the middle of the night, turn the light on first.
- Keep the floor around your bed completely clear of clutter.
The Bathroom
Because surfaces in the bathroom can get wet and slippery, a few small additions can provide a lot of peace of mind.
- Use non-slip mats or self-adhesive strips in the tub or shower.
- Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the tub or shower. While towel racks are handy, they are not built to hold a person’s weight. Grab bars are.
- Consider a raised toilet seat with handrails to make sitting and standing easier on your joints and heart.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is a place of creativity and nourishment. Making things easy to reach is key.
- Store the items you use most, like your favorite pan or coffee mug, on the counter or the lowest shelves of your cabinets.
- If you drop water or food, wipe it up immediately. Even a small wet spot can be very slippery.
- If you must use a step stool to reach something high, use a sturdy one with a handrail. Never use a chair or counter as a step stool.
Pro tip: Prepare meals while seated to prevent fatigue or loss of balance. Things like chopping, slicing, or mixing can be accomplished with ease.
Outdoor Spaces
The transition from inside to outside is a common place for stumbles. A few simple habits can help you navigate your yard and entryway safely.
- Add non-slip material to outdoor stairways.
- Keep your lawn, deck, or porch areas free of debris like fallen tree branches.
- Turn on your porch light at night. If you are heading out during the day but plan to return after dark, leave the light on so you have a bright welcome home.
You do not have to do everything on this list today. Making even one or two changes this week is a wonderful step toward staying steady and independent.
Why not start today by checking one hallway for loose items or adding a single nightlight to your bathroom? Every small change makes your home a more supportive place for you to live your best life.
What To Do If You Fall
A sudden fall can be startling, but staying calm and moving carefully is the best way to prevent further injury. If you find yourself on the ground, follow these steps:
Pause and Breathe
- Do not try to get up immediately. Remain on the floor for a few moments.
- Take several deep breaths to relax and move past the initial shock.
- Decide if you are hurt before moving. Getting up too quickly or incorrectly can make an injury worse.
Prepare to Get Up
If you believe you can get up safely without help:
- Gently roll over onto your side.
- Pause again to let your body and blood pressure adjust.
- Slowly rise onto your hands and knees and crawl toward a sturdy chair.
Use a Chair to Sit
- Place both hands on the seat of the sturdy chair.
- Slide one foot forward so it is flat on the floor. Keep your other knee on the ground.
- From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit safely in the chair.
If You Are Hurt or Stuck
- If you are injured or cannot get up, ask someone nearby for help or call 911.
- If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position while you wait for assistance to arrive.
Be Prepared for the Future
- Keep a phone close. Carry a well-charged mobile or cordless phone at all times.
- Arrange for daily contact with a friend or family member.
- Emergency response buttons, worn as a necklace or bracelet, or certain smartwatches can call for help at the push of a button.
