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#Post#: 3794--------------------------------------------------
Fall Prevention Guide
By: agate Date: October 1, 2022, 1:41 am
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Medical Guardian's newsletter includes a "Fall Prevention
Guide." Some suggestions from it are below, and more will be
forthcoming soon:
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS:
[list]
[li]Bathtubs and showers that require you to step over a ledge
[/li]
[li]Area rugs and bathroom rugs [/li]
[li]Situations that require you to carry a heavy object [/li]
[li]Clutter on the floor [/li]
[li]Kitchens, especially if there has been a spill [/li]
[li]Stairs, especially those without an adequate railing[/li]
[/list]
#Post#: 3795--------------------------------------------------
Re: Fall Prevention Guide
By: agate Date: October 1, 2022, 7:42 pm
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KITCHEN:
1. Bright Lights, Healthy Kitchen
All work areas in the kitchen should have ample lighting.
2. Don’t Wear Loose Clothes While Cooking
Loose clothes can catch on fire over an open flame or pull a pot
off the stove.
3. Properly Store Knives
All knives should be stored in a block, to avoid accidental
cuts.
4. Keep Appliances on Your Countertop.
Store your most frequently used appliances on the countertop.
5. Close Cabinet Doors
Closing cabinet doors can greatly reduce injuries sustained in
the kitchen.
6. Keep It Clutter Free
Eliminate the excess in the kitchen. Keep surfaces clear,
especially the floor.
7. Store Heavy Items Below Waist Level
You have much less control of an object when you have to reach
up to it.
8. Clean Up Spills
Any spill should be wiped up immediately to prevent a possible
fall or slip.
#Post#: 3797--------------------------------------------------
Re: Fall Prevention Guide--Bathroom
By: agate Date: October 4, 2022, 1:26 am
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More from the Medical Guardian "Fall Prevention Guide."
BATHROOM
1. Raised Toilet Seats
Those who have difficulty getting up from the toilet on their
own may find that a raised toilet seat provides extra support
and balance.
2. Handheld Showerheads
With a handheld showerhead, the shower comes to you. You can
bathe independently while sitting on a shower chair or standing.
3. Install Grab Bars
Install grab bars by the toilet, next to and inside the
tub/shower to give you support as you lift yourself up in the
bathroom.
4. Shower Chairs/Benches
A shower chair or bathtub bench allows you to stay still, saving
energy and using precaution to avoid falls.
5. Non-slip Mats
Place these mats both inside and outside your tub or shower and
near your toilet and sink.
6. Walk-in Shower
Invest in a walk-in shower. This will eliminate the need to lift
a leg over the ledge of a bathtub.
#Post#: 3799--------------------------------------------------
Re: Fall Prevention Guide - Bedroom
By: agate Date: October 7, 2022, 1:16 am
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More from the Medical Guardian "Fall Prevention Guide":
BEDROOM
1. Place Lamps Next to Your Bed
Add lamps on each side of your bed. Make sure you can reach them
easily from the bed without over-reaching or stretching too far.
2. Keep Your Bedroom Clutter-Free
Keep your bedroom free of clutter, as it increases your risk of
falling, especially if your bedroom doesn’t have the best
lighting.
3. Open the Curtains
Opening up the curtains in your room will allow for better
lighting.
4. Install Bed Rails
Bed rails remove the risk of falling out of bed. They also
provide support for lifting yourself out of bed.
5. Take Your Time Getting Out of Bed
Allow yourself plenty of time to wake up in the morning. Getting
up right away makes it difficult to maintain your balance.
6. Use Nightlights
Have plenty of automatic nightlights in your bedroom and along
the path to the bathroom.
7. Wear Slippers [or Shoes] on Smooth Flooring
Ensure they have rubber soles to give you traction on smooth
flooring.
8. Discard Area Rugs
Area rugs immediately increase your risk of tripping.
#Post#: 3800--------------------------------------------------
Re: Fall Prevention Guide--Stairs
By: agate Date: October 8, 2022, 1:15 am
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More from Medical Guardian Newsletter "Fall Prevention Guide"
[quote]
STAIRS
1. Keep Objects Off Stairs
Make sure the stairs are clear of any potential obstacles before
using them to make sure your footing is stable as you go up and
down.
2. Attach Non-Slip Treads
In some cases, it might be best to remove existing carpet and
attach non-slip treads on each step for more security.
3. Fix All Loose or Uneven Steps
Loose or uneven steps that have warped and become uneven also
pose a tripping hazard, especially at night or if you are not
paying close attention to your footing.
4. Add Sturdy Handrails
Each side of the stairs should have handrails that run the
length of the stairs to keep you supported every step of the way
(pun intended!).
5. Install Overhead Lights
Have an electrician install overhead lights and light switches
at the top and bottom of the stairs. Ask someone to change a
light bulb as soon as you notice it go out to make sure that
your pathway on the stairs is always illuminated.[/quote]
My solution to the stairs problem was to move to places that
didn't have stairs but not everyone can do that.
#Post#: 3808--------------------------------------------------
Re: Fall Prevention Guide - Support your feet
By: agate Date: October 16, 2022, 1:11 am
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(Continuing with selections from the Medical Guardian "Fall
Prevention Guide")
SUPPORT YOUR FEET:
1. The Best Fit
If your shoe is loose, this makes it easier for you to lose your
balance and fall. If your shoe is too small, you can get
blisters and other foot discomfort that could affect your
coordination. Having a good pair of shoes will lower your risk
of falls.
2. Check for Wear and Tear
It’s best to repair the heels or soles as soon as you notice any
damage. Or simply replace them with a new pair of well-fitting
shoes.
3. Non-Skid Soles
When looking for a pair of shoes that offer safety and support,
rubber non-skid soles are essential. In addition to keeping you
walking steady out in the world, they can also help you stay on
your feet if you have hardwood floors in your home.
4. Avoid Socks Without Shoes
Wearing socks on smooth flooring is very dangerous as you are
more likely to slip and fall. If you prefer not to wear shoes in
your home, you can keep a pair of house slippers with non-tread
soles by the door and change into them when you’re in the house.
#Post#: 5049--------------------------------------------------
Bathtub modification
By: agate Date: January 9, 2026, 1:06 am
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The HUD apartment building I live in has a provision for
"reasonable accommodations"--modifications to an apartment if
the resident has a medical need for them. I have applied for
such an accommodation--a cutaway bathtub, which should end up
looking something like this:
HTML https://orcahealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TubCutUltraLow11-250x313.jpg
I had a rather bad fall a few years ago while exiting the
bathtub. Since then I've been realizing that getting in and out
of it is difficult because of my back and leg stiffness. I've
installed two extra grab bars. I bought a special weighted
cushion so I wouldn't have to drop down so far just to sit in
the tub. I gave up on baths after a while and decided to enjoy
showers.
There was still the problem of getting into and out of the tub.
The doctor has already done the paperwork, and so apparently
have the building people. I will believe this when I see it,
however, as plans for changes around here often get postponed or
cancelled, usually due to budget concerns.
#Post#: 5052--------------------------------------------------
Update on bathtub modification
By: agate Date: January 12, 2026, 10:45 am
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It was such a busy weekend, spent mainly trying to find out more
about bathtub cutouts, that I neglected to find something to
post on MS Speaks. My apologies!
The bathtub modification won't be happening after all. I have
decided that the procedure is apt to be too disruptive, and the
main consideration is that the fumes, as well as the fiberglass
particles that would be released, aren't something I want to put
up with just to make it easier (or even possible) to get in and
out of the bathtub.
I am hoping that more exercise and maybe more physical therapy
will make showering easier. In the meantime there are many other
ways to keep clean.
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