Fall Safety Checklist

Falls are an especially dangerous, but common, cause of injuries. If you have a elderly family member living with you, or are an employee of a long-term care center, preventing falls takes on an even greater importance. Seniors suffer more serious consequences from falls than those who are younger. They can suffer hip breaks and fractures that permanently limit mobility, or whose complications (such as infections or pneumonia contracted from long hospital stays) can even cause death.

Surfaces

• Begin with the surfaces of your home or building for which you are responsible. Repair or replace worn-out or cracked surfacing, including hardwood, paved concrete or frayed carpets with loose threads.

Clean Up

• Keep floors clean and free of debris and clutter. If you live with small children, pick up their toys with little pieces before someone trips over them. Dry floors promptly, or put up barriers to rooms with drying floors. Do not enter the room until the floor is completely dry.

Assistance

• If you live with seniors or handicapped individuals and are afraid of them falling, have them ask for assistance before getting up for any reason. If they are not easily able to verbalize their request, get a bell or buzzer that will let you know they need help. Hire a caregiver to assist them and prevent falls if you are unable to supervise your loved ones as much as you'd like.

Medications

• Check medications -- certain ones are known to cause dizziness, which can lead to falls. Determine whether the fall-prone person can can be put on a lower dose of the medication, or on a different one that will not cause her to get dizzy.

Eyesight

• Have the person's eyesight checked regularly, especially if it is already poor. Make sure that he has the necessary corrective lenses or treatments to see obstacles in his path.

Handrails

• If possible, install handrails in the bathroom that the person can use to steady herself. Handrails should be present both around the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. Include a bath mat in the tub itself to prevent falls.

Construction

• If you have any say in the construction of the building in which a frequent faller may be living, see that it has few or no steps and adequate ramps, and is limited to one level. Stairs pose a special risk to those already prone to falls.