Scared of Falling?

Let me ask you this…

Have you ever fallen at home?

Do you feel unsteady while walking or standing?

Do you worry about falling? 

→ If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, here are some modifications you can make to your home to improve your safety!

● Remove all throw rugs and mats → Although beautiful, they are DANGEROUS! Throw rugs and mats can easily slip, roll up, or catch on our shoes and create a massive fall risk. Instead, opt for a wall-to-wall low plush carpet, hardwood floor, or tile that is even and flat.

● Add railings to any stairs → That means stairs to enter the home or stairs inside the home! So often I will hear patients stating “but it’s just 1 step!” – but that 1 step may be the reason for a fall and major setback down the road. 

Instead, call a local handy-man, family member, or friend to help place handrails (ideally on both sides!) to decrease your risk for falling up or down the stairs.

● Add grab bars in high risk areas like the shower and near the toilet → the bathroom is one of the most common areas for falls due to having to navigate a small space that is a high-slip area. 

Instead, call a local handy-man, family member, or friend to help place handrails in the shower, near the toilet, or anywhere else in your bathroom space that you feel unsafe at. 

SUPER IMPORTANT TIP ABOUT GRAB BARS:

Be sure you are NOT adding suction cup grab bars and you are NOT using towel racks as grab bars. These are not stable enough to hold your body weight, and if you do lose your balance, they will not help protect you in the way a stable grab bar will. 

● Wear non-skid socks or sneakers at all times → going barefoot or wearing slippery socks can quickly turn into a fall. Instead, wear sneakers with laces and a good grip to give you the most support while moving throughout your home. Non-skid socks are a more “homey” alternative to wearing shoes in your home, and they still provide plenty of support. 

● Come see us at CCPT for an evaluation of your gait and balance → if you are truly concerned about your fall risk, we can help. We can come to your home, office or gym. We will assess your balance, strength, gait pattern, and fall risk to provide you with a personalized plan to decrease your fall risk and gain your confidence back! Fastest way to schedule: https://www.capeconciergept.com/contact