Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors

Kitchen Safety Tips

Floor Mats and Throw Rugs

Alert1 does not recommend using certain items in your kitchen. Floor mats and throw rugs can cause trips and falls, especially when they are not flat. If you have floor mats and throw rugs lying around in your kitchen, here’s what you can do.

You can: 

• Remove them completely.
• Secure them with double-sided tape.
• Place a rug gripper between the rug and floor.
• Replace them with rubber backed rugs.

The best medical alert system with fall detection will detect any falls these devices cause, but we think you’ll agree that removing the risk is the best place to start.

Cupboards and Drawers

We recommend storing all items you use daily at waist level. This way, you will not have to bend or reach for something, which can pose a risk of falling. If you ever need to reach for something, be sure to use a step stool.

Dry Floors

Always keep your floors dry. If there is a spill, have someone clean it up as soon as possible. If there is no one around, be sure to carefully dry the floor.

Living Area Safety Tips

Carpets and Rugs

If there are any damaged carpets or rugs, you should remove them right away. This will help reduce the risk of falling by securing an even surface.

Floor Mats and Throw Rugs

If you don’t want to get rid of your fancy mats and rugs, you can install a rug gripper between the rug and the floor. This will secure the rug to the floor and make sure it does not move around to cause you any trouble.

Chairs and Couches

Make sure the chairs and couches in your living area are easy to sit on and get up from. Also, avoid the use of chairs with wheels on them. These types of chairs can be dangerous because they move around and do not have a steady grip.

House Phone

Always keep the phone close. This way if you receive a phone call, you can easily access it. The best medical alert system with fall detection will provide communication in the case of an emergency, but you’ll want to be available for incoming calls from friends and family.

Cords

Make sure all of your TV, phone, and other cords are placed against the wall and not lying around the floor. These can be dangerous and easy to trip and fall if they are not in the correct spot.

Clutter

Remove any unnecessary items from the floor. Objects such as the remote control, clothes, books, etc., can be dangerous if left on the floor. Always keep a clear walking path to ensure your safety.

Hallway and Stairs Safety Tips

Stairwell Lighting

Install a light fixture and keep your stairwells bright. We also recommend installing the switches at the top and bottom of the stairs so you can easily access the switches.

Handrails

If you don’t have some already, install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs. Make sure they are secure.

Clutter

Remove any items stored on the stairs or along the hallways. If you are in need of more storage for these items, install extra drawers or cabinets in a different area of the house.

Slippery Stairs

If your stairs are slippery, install non-skid treads or paint the steps with a product that contains grit or sand.

Exterior Safety Tips

Steps

If your steps are in poor condition, be sure to repair the damaged steps.

Handrails

Make sure you have handrails on both sides of the stairs and that they are tightly mounted.

Walkway

Install overhead lights to keep your walkways bright. Try motion sensor lights that turn on and off automatically. This way it will always be bright when you walk through the walkway. Also, repair and even out walkways in order to prevent a fall. Don’t forget to clear your walkways from clutter such as hoses and weeds.

Personal Safety Tips

Shoes

Wear shoes that fit well and have a low heel. Avoid walking in socks only or in footwear without rubber soles.

Clothes

Hem your clothes short enough to prevent you from tripping.

Long Cords

Shorten your cords and ties on your clothing to prevent you from tripping.

Steps and Uneven Surfaces

If you have steps or uneven surfaces, make sure all of them are well lit. Mark the edges of steps with a contrasting color to make them more visible.

Emergency Plan

In case of an emergency, you want to make sure all telephones (preferably a cordless phone) are accessible from the floor. Consider installing an Alert1 Personal Medical Alarm or investing in the best medical alert system with fall detection.

Pet Safety Tips

Pets

When you are walking around the house, make sure to be on the lookout for your pets. It is likely for pets to run in front of people and cause them to trip and fall.

Pet’s Water Dishes

In order to avoid wet floors, place a towel or rug under the water dish. Slippery floors are very dangerous.

Bedroom Safety Tips

Lamps

If the light is difficult to reach from the bed, move the lamp closer to the bed. You can do this by attaching the light to the headboard. You can also install a sound-activated light switch. This way all you have to do is clap and you will able to turn the lights on and off without having to get up.

Phones

In order to make the phone easier to reach from the bed, use a longer phone cord or use a cordless phone.

Eyeglass

Store your eyeglasses within easy reach from the bed. You can even buy an extra pair of eyeglasses and keep one set at reach from the bed.

Cords

Since cords are easy to trip over, reroute cords so that they are close to the wall. If it is necessary, install additional outlets or a power strip.

Clutter

Clothes, shoes, newspapers, and books are easy to trip over. Remove clutter from walkways to reduce the chance of tripping. It if it is necessary, install extra shelves, cabinets, or drawers for storage.

Portable Commode

If you are used to getting up many times during the night to use the bathroom, place a portable commode or urinal near the bed. This will help you eliminate multiple trips to the bathroom.

Bed Sheets & Blankets

If your sheets, blankets or dust ruffles are dragging on the floor, remove the dust ruffle and purchase the right size sheets and blankets. This way your sheets and blankets won’t drag onto the floor and cause you to accidently trip over them.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Walkway

Install nightlights to light up the walkway to the bathroom. Walking in the dark can be very dangerous, so avoid walking in areas that are dark.

Towel Racks

Towel racks are often used to balance and grab onto while you get in or out of the bathtub/shower. Towel racks, however, are not strong enough to support a person’s weight. What you should do is install grab bars where you think is appropriate. You can also install special towel racks that are specifically meant to double as a grab bar.

Shower Seat

If it is too difficult to stand in the shower, install a shower seat to sit on while you bathe. This will make your shower more relaxing since you will have a place to sit.

Shower Faucets

Install a shower seat or a handheld shower. This will make it easier to access the water faucet. Remember that the best medical alert system with fall detection are waterproof, which means if you slip in the shower, you should be able to call for help. To avoid a slippery bathtub, install non-skid strips or use a non-skid mat. Avoid using slippery bath oil when bathing.

Slippery Bathtub

To avoid a slippery bathtub, install non-skid strips or use a non-skid mat. Avoid using slippery bath oil when bathing.

Slippery Floors

After a bath or shower, make sure to wipe up any left-over water right away. It can be dangerous if the water is left there. A small puddle of water can cause unwanted accidents.

Water Leaks

If your bathtub or shower is leaking, patch leaks with caulk or any other appropriate materials. Leaks can turn into small puddles and puddles can cause slips and falls.

Storage Unit

Install a storage unit to make towels, shampoo, and soap easier to reach. You can install it over the shower head or in the corner of the bathtub. Storage units can also be attached to the side of the bathtub or to the shower wall.

Toilet

Install a raised toilet seat, grab bars, or safety frames to make it easier to get on and off the toilet. This will make it more comfortable too!