Most falls are preventable by taking a few extra steps in your home. There are simple actions you can take that will reduce your risk of tripping. Below you will find tips to avoid injury in your home.
- Use a cane or walker when walking through your house.
- Remove coffee tables, boxes and cords from hallways or areas you frequently walk through.
- Ensure the lights are on before using the stairs.
- Secure loose carpeting or scattered rugs with slip-resistant backing.
- Clean up spilled liquid or food from the floor without delay.
- Keep night lights on when navigating to the bathroom during the night.
- Place a bath seat or non-slip mats in your bathtub.
- Put devices in your home to assist you, such as hand rails on stairways, a raised toilet seat with armrests and grab bars for the shower.
Dr. Laura Cloukey, Medical Director at Pinellas Care Center shares her tips on how you can reduce your fall risk:
“Be aware of your environment. Put pride aside and use a walker or cane for gait stability. Falls occur commonly when people who are descending stairs have their minds on where they are going instead of where they currently are. Remember pets can easily get under your feet, be aware of their presence. Stay current on your eye care with vision correction efforts. Lastly, ask for assistance when needed. We all need a little help some of the time.” Dr. Laura Cloukey, Medical Director at Pinellas Care Center
If you do fall, we are here for you. Talk with your primary care physician first. If necessary, they will coordinate your care with one of our orthopaedic specialists.
To learn more about how you can prevent falls, join us for one of our free Fall Prevention classes.