Tips To Reduce Falls At Home

Worrying about falling is common. Falls are one of the main reasons older people are admitted to hospital or need to move to a higher level of care.

Whilst looking after your health and staying active is important to reduce your risks of falling, there are ways you can help reduce your risk of falling by adopting the following measures:

   • Ensure your bed is the right height for you and your mattress is firm as this may aide getting in and out of bed easier and safer.
   • Non-slip floorings/mats, especially in wet areas of the house like the shower or bath, can make areas less slippery. Clean up set spills as soon as possible.
   • Use a bath seat or shower chair and a hand-held shower hose to help with unsteadiness.
   • In areas you need additional support, install grab rails.
   • Go to the toilet before going to bed and have a commode or urinal next to your bed.
   • Leave a night light on to aide your vision in the dark.
   • Have fluid and your phone beside your bed, especially at night within easy reach to limit the need to walk around in the dark.
   • Sit on chairs with armrests and that are at right height to assist making getting in and out of easier.
   • Have household items, for example toiletries and food, within easy reach to avoid bending and stretching.
   • A well charged cordless or mobile phone will assist in elimination of some cords and will make using the phone easier.
   • Eliminate trip hazards by removing clutter on the floor, checking for curled edges on mats/rugs.
   • Don’t wear unsafe clothes. For example, clothes that drag on the ground, socks without shoes, or shoes with poor grip.
   • Prepare food while seated to prevent loss of balance.

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran, Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association 

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