Don't Fall For It
Getting this body part checked at least once a year, especially if you notice changes in your vision, can help decrease risk for falls
Eyes
Storing commonly used items in what location will help avoid bending down, reaching, or climbing on counters/stools, which may cause a loss of balance?
on the countertop or within reach
Placing this item in the tub can help avoid slipping while taking a shower.
non-skid tub mat or non-slip adhesive strips
Make sure this is adequate throughout your home and around entrances to ensure that you can see any obstacles that could trip you up.
lighting
In the event of an emergency situation, what phone number should you call?
9-1-1
Name at least one action to maintain your health and strength that may help reduce your falls risk.
Eating healthy, exercising, and taking prescribed medications regularly.
Using this piece of equipment to pick up objects off the floor or retrieve items high overhead will make the job easier and reduce your risk of losing your balance.
reacher/grabber
Having a _____ in the shower will allow you to conserve energy and also decrease your risk for slipping while bathing.
shower chair/tub bench
Checking the functioning and batteries of these regularly, which should be located in all bedrooms and kitchen, could save your life in the event of a fire.
smoke detectors
TIP: You should know where your fire extinguisher is and check it regularly to ensure quick, effective access in the event of an emergency.
You begin feeling chest pain and are extremely short of breath. What could this be a sign of? What should you do?
This could be a sign of a heart attack which is a medical emergency. Immediately call 9-1-1.
If you have an area rug/carpet in your home, what should you do to decrease your falls risk?
Secure all rugs to the floor or simply remove rugs/carpets (including bath mats).
Wearing what type of clothing while cooking can be dangerous, especially while leaning/reaching over a pot or pan cooking on the stove?
Long-sleeved or loose-fitting clothing shirt
What item can you install to hold onto during shower/tub transfers to improve safety?
Grab bars.
TIP: Grab bars should be professionally installed into walls to ensure proper installation. Be cautious with suction-cup grab bars as they may become removed from the wall over time or with excessive force.
Installing a lock on your door with what feature can allow for speedy assistance during a medical emergency or fall?
A lock that can be opened with a key/remote from the outside.
TIP: Access to some home security systems can be shared with trusted family members so that they can open the door remotely if you are unable to.
You cut yourself while chopping vegetables. What should you do first?
Apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. Once it has stopped bleeding, clean the cut with soap and water, dry the area, then apply a bandage/dressing.
If the bleeding does NOT stop within 10-15 minutes, call/seek out medical help.
Removing _____ on the floor, especially in areas that you frequently walk through, will reduce your risk of tripping.
Clutter, including electrical cords, telephone cords, newspapers/magazines, remotes, etc.
Doing what action while cooking is very unsafe? This can often occur if you get distracted by a TV show, phone call, or a visitor, or have impaired memory.
leaving food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended / leaving stove/oven off after finished with cooking
BONUS: What action can you take to reduce risk of forgetting to turn the stove off?
Storing shower items while bathing in this item will help to avoid tripping over objects on the floor or losing your balance to reach for shampoo, soap, etc.
shower caddy/basket OR shelf within arm's reach
Avoid storing objects or furniture near these, especially in the winter, to reduce risk of fire.
radiators, floor heating vents, fireplace, lit candles
You begin to feel weak with a tingling sensation on one side of your body. What could this be a sign of? What should you do if this happens?
This could be a sign you are having a stroke. Sit down and call 9-1-1 immediately as this is a medical emergency.
TIP: Remember the acronym BE-FAST for signs of a stroke (balance impairment, eyes (vision changes), facial droop, arm/leg weakness on one side, speech changes, and TIME to immediately call EMS if one of these signs are present)
Having these around the house, especially in the bathroom or hallway, will help to avoid sudden changes in light or tripping in the dark that could cause a fall at night.
Using what piece of equipment to move heavy or awkward objects in the kitchen may reduce risk of hurting yourself or having a fall.
handcart, rollator with a seat, or walker with a tray/basket
Having this feature in your shower will make showering while seated much easier.
handheld shower head
Ensuring these are sturdy and textured inside and outside of the house could decrease the risk of a fall, especially during icy/wet weather.
stairs and railings
TIP: If you have trouble seeing the edge of each stair, you can add high-contrast, non-slip adhesive tape to the edge of each stair.
How do you extinguish a grease fire?
Turn off the source of heat (i.e. stovetop, oven, etc). Cover the fire with a metal lid or baking sheet. Douse the fire with baking soda, salt, or class B fire extinguisher.
TIP: Do NOT use water of flour as these could increase the fire.