Helping to prevent falls

Keep garden paths in as good a condition as possible and clear of leaves and moss. Keep rock salt to use when it’s icy.

Fit an outside security light. Paint a white edge around the steps so that they are more visible.

Fit a strong grab-rail – ask your OT about this.

Ask the milkman to place the bottles on a wall or ledge to avoid you having to bend. Get a long handled milk bottle holder. Get a letter cage fitted behind your letter box to catch the post.

Arrange your kitchen so the most frequently used items are within easy reach. Do not climb – ask someone to help you and never use a chair or stool.

Keep heavy items as near to waist height as possible and use work surfaces to move them from one place to another. Do not carry items whilst using a walking aid – ask your OT for advice about a specialised kitchen trolley.

If there is no room for a table in the kitchen then consider using a higher stool, or perching stool, which will allow you to sit while carrying out tasks.

Use a long handled mop to clean up spills immediately.

Ask about ways to make your chair higher. High chairs with arm rests are easier to get in and out of. Use arms of the chair for support not your walking aid.

Tape cables down or tuck them away behind furniture.

Use a coiled flex or a short flex that doesn’t hang down.

Clear away items from rooms and passages that you no longer need. Ask someone to help you move furniture to give you a clear path through the rooms. Check that low tables or foot stools are not in your way.

Ask someone to remove the castors to make it stable but be careful that this doesn’t make it too low.

Ask about ways to make your bed higher.

Move a lamp nearer.

Fit an easy to use switch on the bedside light.

Have a pull cord for your main bedroom light fitted over your bed.

Consider using a night light in the bedroom.

Take your time in the morning. First sit up and then rest for a moment to give your sense of balance a chance to adjust before you stand up.

If you use a walking aid, make sure you can reach it from your bed.

Lower rails and hooks. Use a chair to put your clothes on.

Replace slippery bed covers with non slip, to avoid sliding off the bed.

Ask about specialised equipment that may help.

Do not leave anything on the stairs. Make an area on a table near the stairs where you can put items which need to go upstairs. Secure loose carpet edges with double sided carpet tape.

Have an extra banister rail so that you have something to hold onto on both sides – ask for advice.

Have brighter light bulbs in your hall and landing. Use energy efficient light bulbs and leave them on overnight.

Ask somebody to secure brightly coloured, non-slip tape on the edge of each step.

Have a two way light switch fitted to ensure that you never have to walk up or down the stairs in the dark.

Make sure there is one at the top and bottom of the staircase and don’t carry it while climbing the stairs.

Ask about having grab rails fitted and whether any bathing equipment would make it easier to use the bath.

Remove or ask someone to fix down mats in the bathroom.

Use a non-slip bath or shower mat.

Ask about seats which can be used in the shower. Try not to drip or spray water as this can make surfaces slippery.

Arrange things you need near you before you get into the bath or shower. Move near to the things, do not stretch.

Your toilet seat can be raised and rails can be fitted to assist you.

Ask about other equipment that could be provided to make this easier.

Sinks and towel rails are not designed to take your weight and may give way – a well placed grab rail would be much safer.

If you use a walking frame and your toilet is too small, it is safer to leave it outside and use fitted rails to hold onto – ask about grab rails or toilet frames.

Fit a telephone extension upstairs or have a mobile phone handy. Make sure you can reach your telephone from the floor. Get a pendant alarm as it will be with you wherever you fall, even in the garden or in the bathroom. Ask your GP for more information.

Make sure someone you trust has a key to get in should you need them and consider having a key safe fitted.

Let other people know who to contact if you need help.

Make sure the bathroom door lock can be opened from the outside or remove the lock altogether.

Use brighter light bulbs where possible so that no hazards are hidden in dark areas.

At night consider using long life energy efficient bulbs along your route to the bathroom – although they cost a bit more to buy, they last longer and they can be left on all night at an inexpensive rate.

Replace worn carpets.

Remove rugs.

Nail or tape down any loose or frayed edges.

Ask someone to get it for you.

Never pull on furniture as it may fall on you.

Consider having sockets repositioned at a higher level or use socket extensions.

Use a long handled appliance such as an ‘Easy Reach’ to turn low or high switches on.

Make sure clothing and nightwear is short enough to avoid tripping.

Sit down rather than stand when pulling clothes over your head or legs to dress.

Wear rubber soled shoes rather than leather or foam soles.

Wear sturdy, supportive shoes with a flat or sensible heel.

Wear well-fitting slippers that fully enclose the foot.

Avoid walking around the house without wearing shoes or slippers.