Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but also easy to fix. This checklist will help you find and fix those hazards in your home. Check the items that need attention, and follow the tip below each item for a quick fix.
FLOORS:
Look at the floor in each room.
| [ _ ] | When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?
Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear. |
| [ _ ] | Do you have throw rugs on the floor?
Remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip. |
| [ _ ] | Are there papers, books, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes, blankets or other objects on the floor?
Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor. |
| [ _ ] | Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone or extension cords)?
Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet. |
STAIRS AND STEPS:
Look at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.
| [ _ ] | Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the stairs?
Pick up things on the stairs. Always keep objects off stairs. |
| [ _ ] | Are some steps broken or uneven?
Have loose or uneven steps fixed. |
| [ _ ] | Are you missing a light over the stairway?
Have an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. |
| [ _ ] | Do you have only one light switch for your stairs (only at the top or only at the bottom of the stairs)?
Have an electrician put in a light switch at both the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow. |
| [ _ ] | Has the stairway light bulb burned out?
Have a friend or family member change the light bulb. |
| [ _ ] | Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step or have the carpet removed and replaced with non-slip rubber treads that are attached to the stairs. |
| [ _ ] | Are the handrails loose or broken?
Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs? Have loose handrails fixed or have new ones installed. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs. |