Preventing Falls

Most serious falls occur in and around the home, but some simple precautions can help reduce your risk of falling.  For instance, make sure that handrails in stairways are securely fastened and that all rugs are secured to the floor with tacks, nonskid pads or double-sided tape.

Falling can lead to life-changing injuries and could result in having to give up some independence, but a brochure called “Preventing Falls at Home” can help. It offers these additional tips:

1. Be sure that you can move safely in the bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or shower.

2. Keep frequently used kitchen items, such as dishes and food, within easy reach.

3. Place night-lights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways.

Contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit http://www.eldercare.gov to order the “Preventing Falls at Home” brochure. The Eldercare Locator is a free, public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).