Take a walking tour of safety hazards
Take a walking tour of safety hazards
Check for these details to reduce risk of falls
Almost one in three elderly patients who fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries that could reduce their mobility and independence and increase their risk of death. Here are practical, often inexpensive ways private duty staff members can help reduce their patients' risks of falling:
o Home exteriors
· Ramps can help patients come and go more safely.
· Heaving, cracked sidewalks and rotting or unstable porch or deck stairs should be replaced.
· Ice and snow should be cleared from walkways. Cat litter or salt can help.
o Bathrooms
· Bathtubs and showers should have grab rails, shower seals, or transfer benches, when appropriate.
· Bathroom floors, bathtubs, and showers should have nonskid surfaces.
· Remove throw rugs or place nonskid material on back.
· Light switches should be located close to entrance.
· Toilet paper should be accessible with one hand, and the toilet area should be slip-resistant.
o Stairs
· Outline stairs with brightly colored tape.
· Stable handrails two to three inches from wall should be located on both sides.
· Tripping is reduced when each stair rises 6 inches or less.
· Apply nonskid materials to each step.
o Living rooms/family rooms
· Leave enough space between furniture so that patients do not have to turn as they walk.
· Patients should be able to rise directly from the seat of a chair or sofa without twisting their bodies.
· Remove unstable furniture and furniture on wheels.
· Hallways and doorways should be well-lit but without the glare of unevenly distributed light. Night lights can be useful. Consider installing motion-sensitive lights.
· Clear exits and passageways of furniture, boxes, or clutter that could cause patients to trip.
· Lamp, extension, and telephone cords should be out of the flow of traffic. Use tape to attach cords to walls or floors to prevent tripping. Arrange furniture so outlets are available for lamps and appliances without using extension cords.
· Stable step stools - preferably with handrails - should be available. Standing on chairs, boxes, or other items to reach shelves could result in falls.
· Rugs or runners should be slip resistant. Remove those that slide. Apply double-sided adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting to the backs or buy rugs with slip-resistant backing. Check tape periodically in case adhesive wears off.
o Bedrooms
· Remove clutter, unstable furniture, and other items that can cause tripping, especially around the bed.
· Be sure patients can get in and out of bed easily. Pushing a bed against a wall can offer more stability.
· Lamps and light switches should be within easy reach of the bed.
o Kitchens
· Store frequently used items at or below waist-level.
· Remove throw rugs or add nonskid adhesive to the bottom.
o Miscellaneous
· Patients should wear comfortable, well- fitted shoes with rubber or no-slip soles.
· Patients shouldn't wear pants that are too long or too wide at the ankle.
· Rubber tips on bottoms of canes and walkers should not be worn.
Suggested reading1. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Document 34701. Safety for Older Consumers Home Safety Checklist. Washington, DC.
2. University of Alberta. Prevention of Falls in the Elderly. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Autumn, 1995.
3. Administration on Aging. ElderAction: Action Ideas for Older Persons and Their Families. Washington, DC.
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