Preventing Falls at Home: Essential Safety Tips for Every Room

1. Off-the-Job Safety How You Can Prevent Falls

2. Falls in the Home Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jpau6ZkTsY Off-the-Job Safety

3. Falls Facts - Deaths • Nationally, falls rank third as a leading cause of death. • Second leading cause of death in the home. • Leading cause of unintentional injury death in MN. Off-the-Job Safety

4. Falls Facts - Injuries • Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury in the US. • #1 cause of non-fatal injury for ages 19 and younger • #1 cause of ER visits by adults 65 and older • Leading cause of hospitalization and emergency department visits in MN. Off-the-Job Safety

5. Are You as Safe as You Think You Are? • The home environment may contribute to about half of home falls. Give yourself a point for each of the following that applies to you. Off-the-Job Safety

6. Bedroom • Nightlights placed in the hallway to light your way. • Phone within easy reach of the bed. • Walkways are clutter free. Off-the-Job Safety

7. Bathroom • Nightlights in hallway and bathroom. • Non-skid strips or a non-slip mat in your shower/bath. • Wet floors wiped up immediately. Off-the-Job Safety

8. Bathroom • Shower/bath caddy attached to the side of the tub or shower wall. • Grab bars installed next to the tub and toilet (if applicable). Off-the-Job Safety

9. Kitchen • Every-day items stored closest and lowest. • Steady step stool used to reach high shelves. • Floors are clear. Off-the-Job Safety

10. Living Areas • Floors are free of clutter. • Floor and walkways are clear of cords. Off-the-Job Safety

11. Living Areas • Carpets, rugs and floor coverings in good condition. • Throw rugs and runners are secured. • Use guards on windows above ground level. Off-the-Job Safety

12. Stairs and Steps • Stairs are free of clutter. • Avoid socks or smooth-soled shoes or slippers. • Use stair gates. Off-the-Job Safety

13. Stairs and Steps • Fix loose or uneven steps. • Overhead light at top and bottom. • Sturdy handrails on both sides. Off-the-Job Safety

14. Outside • Carry smaller loads for clear vision. • Large landing at the front or back door. • Use the right ladder for the job. • Well-lit entrance. • Maintain child play equipment and soft landing surfaces. Off-the-Job Safety

15. What’s Your Score? • 0-4 points: Is your home insurance up to date? You may need it! • 5-10 points: You may have a swell place, but I’m not visiting your home! • 11-16 points: Not bad, but there’s work to do. • 17-22 points: Nice work! Your home value just went way up! • 23-27 points: You get a star in the Home Safety Hall of Fame! Off-the-Job Safety

16. Common Risks Falls • Cluttered hallways • Areas with heavy traffic • Uneven surfaces • Areas that get wet frequently • Unguarded heights • Poorly lit areas • Unstable work surfaces • Ladders • Stairs Off-the-Job Safety

17. Resources • Minnesota Senior Safe Website www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/SeniorSafe • Interactive Fall Prevention Checklist www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/SeniorSafe/falls Off-the-Job Safety