Placeaportablecommodenear thebed to eliminatenighttime trips to thebathroom.
Is itcommon togetupmany timesduring thenight touse the bathroom?
HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR FALL HAZARDS Home Safety Checklist for Fall Hazards This room-by-room checklist highlights possible fall hazards. If you mark “Yes” to any of these questions, consider the suggestions to help reduce your chances of falling. PossibleHazard Yes Suggestions Are there floormatsor rugs in the kitchen? Remove throw rugsor secure them to the floor with slip-resistantbacking. Is itnecessary to reach far,bend over,orclimbona stool toget commonly-used kitchen itemsand foods? Rearrangecupboardsanddrawers so that items usedmostoftenarewaisthigh.Usea sturdy step stoolwithagrabbar to reach items stored overhead.Neveruseachairasa step stool. Is there liquid, food,grease,orother clutteron the floor? Sweepoftenandwipeup liquid immediately to reduce thechancesof slipping. Kitchen This room-by-room checklist highlights possible fall hazards. If you mark “Yes” to any of these questions, consider the suggestions to help reduce your chances of falling.
Living Areas LIVING AREA
Bathroom BATHROOM
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Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Remove damaged floor coverings or secure them well with double-sided tape, nails, etc. It’s important to have a flat, sturdy walkway. The best thing to do is to remove throw rugs. Put double-sided tape on them so they don’t slip. Higher chairs and armrests are helpful for easing into a sitting position. Keep a phone nearby so you don’t have to get up quickly if the phone rings. Cordless phones are helpful. Keep a phone close to the floor in order to call for help in the event of a fall. Tape cords and wires to the wall or have an electrician install additional outlets. It’s best to have a straight path, clear of furniture. Rearrange furniture to provide for obstacle-free walking. Install longer cords or link ceiling lights/fans to a light switch on the wall to eliminate the need to look and reach up. Remove clutter from walkways to avoid tripping.
Do carpets, rugs, and floor coverings have frayed corners or rolled-up edges? Are there throw rugs in walkways? Are chairs and couches low to the ground? Is it necessary to get up to answer the phone? Do you have to walk over or around electrical cords or wires? Are there newspapers, boxes, shoes, etc. on the floor? Do you need to walk around furniture to get through the living area? Do you have to reach up to pull cords to lights or ceiling fans?
Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom dark? Are towel racks used to balance or grab onto while getting in or out of the bathtub/shower?
Nightlights can be helpful in lighting the way.
Towel racks may not be mounted well enough to support a person’s weight. Install grab rails in the appropriate places. A shower seat allows older adults to shower without getting tired of standing or risking a fall because of dizziness.
Is it difficult to stand during a shower?
Is the shower floor and/or bathtub slippery?
Install non-skid strips or a non-slip mat.
Patch leaks with caulk or other appropriate materials. Wipe up water immediately to prevent slipping. Use a bath mat with a slip resistant backing. A shower/bath storage unit that attaches to the side of the tub or shower wall can reduce the need to reach or turn around to get things. It may be helpful to raise the seat and/or install handrails. Replace the toilet with a higher toilet and/or install handrails.
Is there any water on the floor after a bath/shower? Are there leaks from the tub/ shower?
Is it necessary to reach far or turn around to get towels, shampoo, and soap? Is it difficult to get on and off the toilet?
October is National Physical Therapy Month!
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HEALTHY RECIPE 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
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Call IN & Win! WIN A $10 TARGET GIFT CARD
For information about physical therapy or to find a physical therapist near where you work or live, visit www.moveforwardpt.com
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HOW TO ENTER OUR DRAWING! You could be the winner of a $10 Target gift card! Find the misspelled word in this newsletter and call in the correct answer in order to be placed in our drawing!
Roquefort Pear Salad INGREDIENTS • 1 head leaf lettuce • 3 pears • 5 ounces Roquefort cheese • 1 avocado • 1/2 cup sliced green onions • 1/4 cup white sugar • 1/2 cup pecans • 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tsp white sugar • 1 1/2 tsp prepared mustard • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1/2 tsp salt • Black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce,pears,bluecheese,avocado,andgreenonions.Pourdressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.
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