SENIORS GUIDE TO HOME SAFETY RESOURCES FOR FALL PREVENTION

SAFETY AIDS

BATHROOM AIDS

• wall mounted or tub grab bars
  
• bath boards
  
• non-skid bath mat beside tub
  
• rubber bath mat in tub
  
• adjustable bath and toilet seats
  
• long handled bath brush
  
• hand held shower head
  
• shower/tub organizer

  DRESSING AIDS

• sock aid
  
• long handled shoe horn
  
• elastic shoe laces
  
• long handled reacher (used to pick up
  light objects that are out of your reach)

  STEP LADDER/STOOL

• look for wide non-skid steps with handle

  LOOK IN YELLOW PAGES UNDER:

• Hospital Equipment & Supplies
  
• Home Health Services & Supplies
  
• Hardware
  
• Pharmacies

  Prices vary depending on size, quality or type of safety aid. Some suppliers will offer discounts to seniors or will offer discounts to seniors or will offer discounts if more than one senior is ordering a product. Some have free in-home consultations. Ask about delivery service.

  FIRE EXTINGUISHER
  Fire department recommends:*2A10BC

• place it close to an exit
  
• once a year, turn the extinguisher upside down and shake
  
• extinguishers should be serviced once every 6 years

  SMOKE ALARM

• important to check batteries twice a year when changing your clocks

  LOOK IN YELLOW PAGES UNDER:

• Fire Extinguishers
  
• Fire Protection
  
• Hardware

  Home Repair and Snow Removal

  The following agencies either provide referrals or direct services for minor repairs such as securing down carpet or tile, installation of grab bars, railings, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and minor electrical repairs.

MEDICATION CONCERNS

• Contact your pharmacist or doctor.

  FREQUENT FALLS

• If you fall frequently you should contact your doctor.

  ADDITIONAL TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS

• Staying active can protect you from an injury due to a fall. Join a walking program, seniors centre or physical fitness program.
• Shower and tub organizers that hold shampoo and soap and hang from the shower nozzle require less bending and reaching.
• Soap on a rope that hangs on the shower nozzle or faucet eliminates the need to pick up dropped soap.
• Use a wash mitt if you have difficulty gripping soap.
• Sit down on a non-skid surface to dry off.
• Use a long-handled shoe horn to put on shoes to eliminate the need to bend.
• Keep hip and thigh muscles strong. Do leg raises and side stepping.
• Keep knee and hip joints flexible by moving them through a full range of motion.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Extra weight at the hips and trunk creates
  a top heavy imbalance and instability.
• Straighten up slowly after bending over so you do not feel light-headed.
• Be aware of uneven sidewalks. They are easy to trip on, especially in poorly lit areas.
• Always be on the lookout for wet or highly polished floors.
• Give your eyes time to adjust when moving from brightly lit to dark areas and vice versa.
• Bifocal glasses may change how objects appear. Be careful when shifting focus suddenly from
  near and far objects.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are in good repair