| Here are some helpful suggestions for reducing fall-related injuries in the home. · Place all lamp, extension, and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic. Make sure all small rugs and runners are slip-resistant. · Make sure that there is access to a telephone if you fall, or experience some other emergency, which prevents you from standing or reaching a wall phone. · Place small stoves and heaters where they cannot be knocked over, and away from furnishings and flammable materials, such as curtains or rugs. · Have your clothes properly altered, so that you cannot trip on a pant leg or gown bottom. · Make sure that hallways, stairways, passageways between rooms, and other heavy traffic areas are well lit. · Clear exits and passageways, so that there is nothing to stumble over. · Equip your bathtubs and showers with nonskid mats, abrasive strips, or other surfaces that are not slippery. · Install at least one, but preferably two, grab bars in your bathtubs and showers. · Make sure that the steps in your stairway allow for secure footing, and that the coverings on the steps are in good condition. · Be sure that you can clearly see the edges of the steps, and do not store anything on the stairway, even temporarily. · Use a sturdy, step stool to reach high shelves. Never stand on chairs, boxes or other makeshift items *.http://www.securityworld.com/ia-228-preventing-falls-for-the-elderly.aspx
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