Preventing Falls: Topic Overview

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Topic Overview

Injuries from falls may be more likely among older adults and in people who have had a stroke or have multiple sclerosis or osteoporosis. The following tips can help you avoid falls.

Take care of yourself

• If you are very weak or dizzy, have someone help you get out of bed, walk, and bathe.
• Exercise regularly to improve your strength, muscle tone, and sense of balance.
• Call your health professional for an appointment if you are dizzy and lose your balance. You may have a condition that needs treatment, such as an inner ear problem.
• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. If you have poor vision and/or hearing, you may lose important cues that help you avoid objects and keep your balance.
• Know the side effects of medications you are taking. Ask your health professional or pharmacist whether the medications you are taking can affect your sense of balance. For instance, sleeping pills or sedatives can affect your balance.
• Call your health professional if you think you have calluses or corns on your feet that need to be removed. If you wear loose-fitting shoes because of calluses or corns, you can lose your balance and fall.

Preventing falls at home

If you cannot make repairs or changes to your home yourself, ask a loved one or hire a handyperson.

• Remove raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, and clutter.
• Repair loose carpet or raised areas in the floor.
• Rearrange furniture and electrical cords to keep them out of walking paths.
• Use nonskid floor wax and wipe up spills immediately, especially on ceramic tile floors.
• If you use a walker or cane, put rubber tips on it. If you use crutches, clean the bottoms of them regularly with an abrasive pad, such as steel wool.
• Keep your house well lit, especially stairways, porches, and outside walkways. Use nightlights in areas such as hallways and bathrooms.
• Add extra light switches or use remote switches (such as switches that go on or off when you clap your hands) to make it easier to turn lights on if you have to get up during the night.
• Install sturdy handrails on stairways.
• Store household items on low shelves to eliminate the need to climb or reach high, or use a reaching device that you can get at a medical supply store. If climbing is essential, use a step stool with handrails.
• Keep a cordless phone and a flashlight with new batteries by your bed.
• Wear low-heeled shoes that fit well and give your feet good support. Use footwear with nonskid soles.
• Check the heels and soles of your shoes for wear. Repair or replace worn heels or soles.

Prevent falls when bathing

Falls often occur during and after bathing. To help prevent falls in the bathroom:

• Install grab handles and nonskid mats inside and outside your shower/tub and near the toilet and sinks.
• Use shower chairs and bath benches.
• Get into a tub or shower by putting the weaker leg in first. Get out of a tub or shower with your strong side first.
• Use a long-handled brush or mittens with straps to help with bathing.

Prevent outdoor falls

• Use a cane or walker as needed.
• Walk on the grass when the sidewalks are slippery.
• If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, sprinkle salt or cat litter on slippery steps and sidewalks.

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Last updated:	September 30, 2005
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Hanan Bassyouni, MD - Endocrinology and Metabolism
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen