Every family should have a **Fall Prevention Checklist** to help protect loved ones, especially older adults, from the serious risks and consequences of falling. Falls can happen anywhere—in the home, outside in the garden, or even while moving around daily—and many are preventable with simple steps. This checklist is designed to be easy to understand and practical so that everyone can use it to create a safer environment.
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### Footwear: The Foundation of Stability
– Always wear shoes or slippers that fit well and have **non-slip soles**.
– Avoid backless slippers or shoes without proper support because they increase fall risk.
– Choose footwear with good traction for both indoor and outdoor use.
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### Stairs: Navigating Safely
– Keep stairs clear of clutter—no bags, laundry baskets, or objects left on steps.
– Remove rugs or mats on stairs as they can slip easily.
– Use sturdy handrails on both sides if possible; always hold onto them when going up or down.
– Carry items in a way that leaves at least one hand free for balance—using bags with shoulder straps is helpful.
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### Bathrooms: Wet Surfaces Demand Extra Care
– Install grab bars near showers, bathtubs, toilets, and wherever you need extra support.
– Use **non-slip mats** inside showers/tubs and on bathroom floors to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
– Consider raised toilet seats if getting up is difficult; these reduce strain and improve stability.
– Ensure bathrooms are well-lit; night lights help if someone gets up during the night.
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### Kitchens: Organized for Safety
– Clean spills immediately—water or food on floors creates slippery hazards.
– Avoid reaching high shelves where stretching could cause loss of balance; store frequently used items within easy reach (waist to shoulder height).
– Use step stools with handles rather than climbing unstable chairs.
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### Living Areas & Bedrooms: Clear Paths Matter
– Remove loose rugs unless secured firmly with non-slip backing or tape—they often cause trips.
– Arrange furniture so there are wide clear pathways without obstacles like cords or cluttered piles of magazines/books/newspapers.
– Secure electrical cords along walls out of walking paths
– Avoid furniture pieces that swivel or roll away when sitting down/standing up
– Place reflective strips near any uneven floor surfaces
*Bedroom-specific tips:*
– Beds should be firm but comfortable enough for easy standing/sitting transitions.
– Night lights along hallways leading from bedrooms reduce falls during nighttime trips.
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### Outdoor Spaces & Gardens: Watch Your Step Outside Too
– Be cautious about walking outside when surfaces are icy, wet, mossy, muddy—or otherwise slippery. Wait until conditions improve if possible.
– Uneven ground like cracked pavement requires attention—consider leveling problem areas where feasible.
– Store gardening tools safely off walkways so they don’t become tripping hazards.
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### Lighting & Visibility: See Clearly To Stay Steady
Good lighting throughout your home reduces fall risk by improving visibility:
1. Hallways
2. Staircases
3. Entryways
4. Bathrooms
5. Kitchens
Use bright bulbs but avoid glare by using lampshades/diffusers where needed.
Night lights in bedrooms/hallways help those who get up at night avoid stumbling in darkness.
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### Mobility Aids & Medical Considerations
If mobility challenges exist:
1. Consult healthcare providers about appropriate assistive devices such as canes (correct height important), walkers (choose between standard vs wheeled based on balance/endurance), wheelchairs etc., ensuring proper fit/use training occurs before relying heavily upon them.
2. Regularly review medications since some may cause dizziness/drowsiness increasing fall risk — discuss alternatives with doctors/pharmacists as needed.
3. Schedule routine vision/hearing exams because impairments here directly affect balance awareness indoor