Preventing falls at home

You might be at a greater risk of falling if you:

• Have had a recent fall
• Have had a recent procedure
• Have medical conditions, such as low blood pressure or low blood sugar
• Have trouble seeing
• Use a device to help you walk, such as a walker, crutches, or a cane
• Take medicines that have side effects that can make you dizzy or sleepy.

Tips to prevent you from falling:

• Ask your care team about possible side effects of your medicines. Some medicines can make you dizzy, sleepy, weak, or shaky. 
• Always rise slowly to prevent dizziness. Sit for 2 to 3 minutes before standing. 
• Exercise to improve your strength, balance, and coordination.
• Do not bend over to put on your shoes. Use caution with activities that cause you to bend over, such as putting on your shoes. 
• Wear non-slip, low-heeled walking shoes, such as tennis shoes. Tie the shoelaces. Do not wear loose fitting shoes, such as crocs or flip flops. 
• Walk on hard, uncluttered level surfaces. Walk only in well-lit areas. 
• Hold on to a handrail when walking up and down stairs.
• If you use a device, such as a walker, crutches, or cane, keep it close and within reach for when you need to walk

Tips to prevent you from falling in your home:

• Put a lamp or flashlight near your bed so you have light if you get up during the night. Use nightlights to light a path. 
• Sleep on a bed that is easy to get in and out of.
• Keep clutter off your floors. Remove throw rugs or loose area rugs. Be mindful of pets and other objects that may be on your floors.
• Arrange furniture so you have a clear path between rooms.
• Clean up floor spills right away.
• Use a rubber mat or non-slip adhesive strips in the tub. Use a shower chair when bathing. Add grab bars in and near your bathtub. This gives you some stability getting in and out of the bathtub.
• Install a raised toilet seat or a seat with armrests.