Life Style PARK PLACE OF ST. JOHN
Senior Fitness with Symbria Ways to Make Your Home Safer
4. Light your way Install bright lights, have switches at both ends of the stairways, and use night lights to light the path from your bedroom to the bathroom. 5. Add supports in the bathroom Bathrooms can be dangerous, especially when things are wet. Put grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Non-skid strips in the bathtub can keep you from slipping. 6. Stay safe on the stairs Consider handrails on both sides of the stairs. If you already have handrails, check that they are properly installed and not loose. Additional Tips: � Keep electrical cords near walls and away from walking paths. � Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of easily. � Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high — use a “reach stick” instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it’s steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you. � Keep a list of emergency numbers in large print near each landline phone and save them under “favorites” on your mobile phone
Making changes to your home, also known as home modifications, can make activities easier, improve your health and wellness, and reduce your chances of falling. These changes can include removing hazards, adding supports such as handrails, or modifying how or where activities are performed. Below are some suggestions to make your home safer. 1. Keep pathways clear Keep stairs and walkways clear by removing objects that you could trip over. Add storage for items that are typically kept on the floor, such as shoes or paper. 2. Be aware of uneven surfaces Look out for changes in the level of flooring, such as those near doorways or between carpet and tile. Remove throw rugs. If you can easily move a rug with your foot, you could slip on it. 3. Keep frequently used items close by Keep items you use often at waist level or within easy reach. Reaching up high or bending down low can cause you to lose balance. For example, in the kitchen, make sure that cooking supplies and other items that you use often are easy to reach.
We're Here to Help! If you need any advice on home
modifications, please contact the therapy department. Our Occupational Therapy team would be happy to help!
Sources: Fall prevention coalition- Los Angeles, www.stopfalls.org and www.nia.nih.gov
www.ParkPlaceStJohn.com (219) 351-5200 | ppsj@provlife.com | 10700 Park Place | St. John, IN 46373
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