Fall Risk Reduction Checklist
Take a tour of your loved one’s home or any area where they spend time. As you move through the area review this list carefully and see how you can reduce the fall or trip hazards. Keep working on the list until each box is checked!
If your loved one is going to be a visitor or spend time in someone else’s home, use this list again to ensure their safety in the new locale.
Fall Risk Reduction Checklist
Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, shoes, and cords/wires) from stairs and places where you walk.
Remove throw rugs that are NOT well secured; IF you keep a throw rug, use double-sided tape or non slip backing to eliminate ALL movement along the edges and in the middle. Secure all edges well, especially those in the walking path.
Light hallways and stairways used after dusk; avoid motion sensors -- use permanent lights in hallways and stairways.
Be sure that handrails are attached well on both sides of all stairways.
Move items out of reach to shelves and cabinets within arm’s length. Not too high and not too low. Consider the use of a “grabber” tool for lightweight items that are too high or low.
IF they must use a step stool; use step stools that are steady and have railings to hold onto. Try to eliminate this need.
Put a non slip rubber mat in the bathtub or on shower floor.
Have grab bars/rails put in next to your toilet and tub or shower.
Keep the dishwasher door closed unless loading/unloading.
If there is glare from sunlight at certain times of day use light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
Wear shoes with backs both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers without backs.
Consider using a personal emergency response system with FALL DETECTION. These systems alert 911 in case of fall or other need. This is CRITICALLY important for loved ones who live alone and/or have any cognitive impairment.