| According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 in 4 Americans ages 65 and older fall each year, but falling does not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home. Remove clutter (shoes, books, papers, etc.) from stairs and floors. Fix loose or uneven steps. Make sure carpets are firmly attached to steps and floors using non-slip backing. Fix loose or broken handrails. Make sure you have a clear walking path through rooms. Tape wires or cords to the wall or floor. Keep things you use often on lower shelves. If you use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold onto. Put nightlights in areas that you may need to access after dark, like hallways or bathrooms. Use non-slip rubber mats on bathroom floors and in showers/tubs. Place grab bars next to the toilet and inside the bathtub. If a lightbulb burns out, ask a friend or family member to replace it. |
What to Do If You Fall
Falls can lead to serious consequences. If you do fall, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends taking the following steps:
- Take deep breaths. This can help you relax.
- Before you get up, decide if you are hurt. Don’t get up too fast if you are hurt.
- If hurt, stay put and call for help. You can do this verbally, or through a life-alert device or smart watch if you’re wearing one. Dial a loved one on the phone if accessible or call 911 and wait for help.
- If you are ok to move, move slowly. NIA recommends slowly rolling to your side, resting then crawling on your hands and knees to a sturdy chair. When getting onto the chair, put your hands on the chair first and position your body in a kneeling position with one knee down and one foot flat on the floor, before slowly rising yourself up to the chair.
