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Falls and Older Adults
Fall Proofing Your Home
Tips to "Fall
Proof" Your Home
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An important step toward preventing falls at home is to
remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while
walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet bowls,
electrical or phone cords, or other things can cause you to fall.
Slipping on rugs or slick floors can also cause falls.
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Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk
freely. Also remove items from stairs, hallways, and
pathways.
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Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and
stairs. Remove throw rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach
rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
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Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put
non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or
shower, as well. You can buy these items at a home center or
hardware store.
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At home and elsewhere, try to avoid wet floors and clean up
spills right away. Use only non-skid wax on waxed floors
at home.
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Be careful when walking outdoors, and avoid going out alone
on ice or snow. A simple slip on a slick sidewalk, a curb,
or icy stairs could result in a serious injury.
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