At-Home Fall Prevention Safety Tips

Depending upon your health condition or the medications you're taking, you could be at high risk for falling after you return home. There are some precautions that you can take to prevent falls at home:

• Call your pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications to determine if they increase your risk for falling.
• Discuss with your doctor if you feel dizzy, have joint pain, or shortness of breath when you walk.
• Wear sensible footwear that is sturdy, has nonskid soles, and that are lace-up shoes instead of slip-on shoes.
• Remove home hazards, such as boxes and phone and electrical cords from walkways.
• Secure loose rugs with slip-resistant backing or remove them from your home and repair loose carpeting.
• Store everyday items, such as clothing, dishes and food, where they're easily accessible.
• Use nonslip bathmats in your bathtub or shower.
• Place nightlights throughout your home, ensure your home is brightly lit, and store flashlights in easy-to-find places for emergencies.

To keep you steady while walking, consider hand rails for both sides of stairways, a raised toilet or one with armrests, grab bars for your shower or tub, a sturdy plastic shower or tub seat and a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while seated.

Also, wear yellow socks at home and wear them in good health.