There are a number of things you can do to help prevent falls in the home.  Last week we talked about avoiding falls in the bathroom and kitchen.  This week we’ll share tips for the bedroom and stairways.

Bedroom

Sit down when putting on or taking off clothing and shoes.  If you don’t have a sturdy chair or bench in your bedroom, it is well worth the investment.

Keep a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom.  You should not have to dodge furniture, clutter, or small objects like garbage pails just to reach the bathroom at night.  It is too easy to bump into or trip over things when it is dark and you are half-asleep.

Consider a night light to help you see where you are going in case you need to move around at night.

Make sure tables as well as lamps are stable.

Avoid clutter on the bedroom floor:  clothing, articles, or loose mats.  Designate a “home” for clothing and articles so they can be put away somewhere convenient and safe.

Stairways

Install handrails on both sides of the staircase.

Make sure the stairwell is well-lit.  In addition, if a light is burned out in a hard-to-reach place, ask for help replacing it.

Install non-slip strips on the edges of each step.

Avoid clutter in stairways—stairs are not shelves, so there should not be any objects resting on the steps.

If you are carrying something up or down, make sure you are able to look around it well enough to see where you are going.  Also, remember that if you are carrying a lot of objects, it is better to make multiple trips than try to take them all at once.  In summary, the more you carry, the harder it will be to balance everything and to see around it.

Make sure railings are sturdy and secure.  As well, repair loose railings.

Keep a covered bucket of sand or salt near outdoor stairways to handle slippery winter conditions.

Regular chiropractic maintenance will keep you at your best and reduce your risk of falls.

We look forward to seeing you at your next maintenance appointment.

If you don’t have your next maintenance appointment scheduled, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 and we will be happy to help you.