-Don’t walk around in socks or stockings on non carpeted floors. Try to wear rubber soled, low-heeled shoes when ever possible- Get rid of small rugs as they are easy to trip up over.
- Make sure all of your carpets are properly fitted and all the edges are properly secured.
- Keep you home well lit using long life energy saving bulbs. Pay particular attention to stairs and walkways.
- Talk to your council, Social Services or local Independent Living Centre about having grab rails installed by steps, stairs, toilets and baths and showers.
- Get an anti slip mat for the bath and shower and replace it when it starts to loose its adherance.
- Avoid having any trailing wires. Try to group appliances next to power sockets if possible or consider having more sockets installed.
- Consider using a cordless phone or mobile to avoid having long telephone wires.
- Be tidy! Pick up anything that falls as soon as possible and think about putting small objects such as magazine racks and bins out of the way or beside large pieces of furniture.
- Wipe up any spills as soon as possible
- Never store heavy items or things you use often in high or hard to reach cupboards.
- Never keep anything on the stairs, keep stairs and walkways clear at all times.
- Take your time when getting up to answer the phone or door. Once you stand up take a second to make sure you don’t feel dizzy.
- Consider using nightlights for your bedroom and route to the bathroom or make sure you always switch the lights on before you walk across a room.
- If you need spectacles make sure you wear them at all times and get your eyese checked regularly.
-If you need a walking aid use it at all times and make sure you have one upstairs and downstairs so you don’t have to carry one on the stairs.
-Write out a plan if you fall so you know what to do as it is often difficult to think after the shock of a fall. You could also consider having a personal alarm system so you can get help if you need it.
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