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Safety Precautions

Here Are Some Things You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Falling

Review the questions below carefully. For best results, correct the items you have checked off.

Health, Safety & Home Assessment

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Do you take four or more medications

daily?

Multiple medications

can cause dizziness,

drowsiness and

balance problems. It is

important to have all

of your medications reviewed at least once a

year by a pharmacist or doctor.

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Have you or those around you noticed a

change in your hearing?

Dizziness can occur with hearing loss. Set

up an appointment to have your hearing

checked.

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Have you or those around you noticed a

change in your vision?

Seeing obstacles is the first step in avoiding a

fall. Keep your glasses clean. Have your eyes

examined once a year.

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Have you fallen two or more times in the

past six months?

Get a checkup! Falls lead to injuries. You need

to find out why you are falling.

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Do you wear floppy slippers or a long

bathrobe?

Wear well-fitting

slippers with non-

skid soles. Avoid

night clothing that

drags on the ground.

Keep robe tied.

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Throw rugs?

Throw rugs pose a tripping hazard. They

should be tacked down or removed.

REACHING OVERHEAD?

Put commonly used things on

shelves that are easy to reach. If you

must reach overhead, keep a sturdy

stool handy.

PICKING UP OBJECTS FROM

THE FLOOR?

Plan ahead. Move the object closer

to something sturdy to hold on to.

GETTING IN AND OUT OF

THE BATHTUB?

Add grab bars to the walls or use a

tub seat to assist with bathing.

Non-skid tubmats and a hand held

shower can also be useful.

GETTING IN AND OUT OF A

CHAIR?

Avoid sitting on low furniture. Chairs

with arms make it easier to get up.

WALKINGWITHOUT HOLDING

ON TO SOMETHING?

If you feel unsteady without holding

onto something, youmay need a

cane. Consult your doctor or health

care provider.

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Stairs without rails?

Using hand rails to go up and down stairs is

easier and safer. Add hand rails to all stairs, if

possible.

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Clutter in your walking space?

Clutter such as shoes, electrical cords and

magazines is a safety hazard. Keep pathways

clear.

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Dark hallways or stairwells?

Good lighting can reduce the chance of falling.

- Consider adding night lights where overhead

lighting is lacking.

- Add strips of bright tape to the edge of each

stair.

- Always keep a

charged flashlight

near your bed for

emergencies.

- A night light in

the bathroom can

also make night

trips to the

bathroom

safer.