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Home Modifications: How to Prevent Falls
Posted by:
Tamar at NBTS on
June 14, 2011 at
11:28AM UEDT
Falls can occur anytime, anyplace, and to anyone while doing everyday
activities such as climbing stairs or getting out of the bathtub. Brain
tumor patients have a high risk of falling because of multiple factors
including problems with balance and reduced overall mobility.
Research
shows that simple safety modifications at home can substantially cut
the risk of falling. Protect yourself or your loved one with these
simple changes in furniture arrangement, housekeeping, and lighting:
Bedroom
- Place a lamp, telephone and flashlight near the bed.
- Replace satiny sheets and comforter with products made of non-slippery material (e.g., wool, cotton).
- Arrange clothes in the closet and drawers so that they are easy-to-reach.
- Install a night-light along the route between the bedroom and the bathroom.
- Keep clutter off the bedroom floor.
Living Areas
- Arrange furniture so there is a clear pathway between rooms.
- Keep low-rise coffee tables, magazine racks, foot rests, and plants out of the path of traffic.
- Install
easy-access light switches at entrances to rooms. Glow-in-the-dark
switches or devices such as “the clapper” (clapping your hands
automatically turns the light on) may be helpful.
- Keep electric, appliance, and telephone cords out of walkways, but don't put cords under a rug.
- Don't sit in a chair or on a sofa that is so low it is difficult to stand up.
- Repair loose wooden floorboards right away.
Kitchen
- Remove throw rugs.
- Clean up immediately any liquids, grease, or food spilled on the floor.
- Store food, dishes, and cooking equipment within easy reach.
Stairs and Steps
- Keep stairs clear of packages, boxes, or clutter.
- Light switches should be at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Provide enough light to see each stair and the top and bottom landings.
- Put non-slip treads on each bare-wood step.
- Install handrails on both sides of the stairway.
Bathroom
- Place a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub for safe exit and entry.
- Install grab bars on the bathroom walls.
- Keep a night-light in the bathroom.
- Use a rubber mat or place nonskid adhesive textured strips on the tub.
Tamar Sekayan, MSW
Assistant Director, Patient Services
Adapted from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the National Brain Tumor Society’s Caregiver Workshop curriculum
Image: Handyman Cartoon
(2) Comments
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Posted by: steven5 on June 15, 2011 9:20AM UEDT
I find all of the suggestions helpful.
When I came home from the hospital, I could not go up stairs to the bedroom. I had to sleep on the sofa downstairs. The coffee table had to be moved from the traditional position. (otherwse I tripped over it)
I could not reach overhead and common items had to be put on a lower shelf.
I could not lift over 3 pounds, and others had to help.
Quite a few of the things mentioned were initially on tthe restricted list and needed therapist or doctor approval first.
With the needed precautions, I was able to get things back to normal.
Steven
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Posted by: Jackie2 on June 28, 2011 5:33PM UEDT
The shower chair in my In-laws' house where I spent a month recuperating after staying in the hospital for 40 days was very helpful as I still didn't have much strength. It's originally used by hubby's uncle back in the 80's. Still looks brand new.
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