Preventing a Fall

Preventing falls at home

Below is a home safety checklist to help prevent falls at home.

General:

• Install handrails along all stairs (both sides if possible), extending beyond the top and bottom step stairs.
• Add non-skid tape to wooden stairs to prevent slipping, or a strip of contrasting colour along front edge of steps to make them easier to see.
• Ensure adequate lighting in all areas, including night lights in bathroom and flashlight in bedroom in the event of power failure.
• Stabilize or remove rockers and swivel chairs.
• Reduce clutter (i.e. boxes, clothes, toys) and beware of small children and pets moving on the floor.
• Use caution when transferring between different areas (i.e. bed, chair, bath, toilet, car).

Entrance:

• Keep front steps/walkway in good repair and free of snow, ice and leaves.

Living area/bedroom:

• Eliminate tripping hazards (i.e throw rugs, electrical cords) in common walking areas.
• Arrange furniture to make a clear pathway for walking or use of needed mobility aid (i.e. walker).
• Utilize non-slip liners underneath throw rugs.
• Keep telephone and often used items within easy reach (i.e. clothing).

Bathroom:

• Equip bathroom with non-slip bathmats, grab bars, etc.

Kitchen:

• Arrange kitchen so most frequently used items are within easy reach, typically between knee and shoulder height.
• Clean up any dropped food or spills as soon as possible, if able to do so safely.

Preventing falls in hospital

• Most falls occur when patients try to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Ask for help if you need it or if you have been instructed to for safety.
• Bottom bed rails will be kept down (for split rail beds) unless assessed otherwise by your health care team.
• Inform your doctor or health care team if your medication is making you drowsy or dizzy.
• Use the suggested aids such as a cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair, raised toilet seat, commode, hearing and visual aids, etc.
• Make sure you can reach your call bell, phone, eyeglasses and other personal items.
• Ensure your bed is in the lowest possible position.
• Keep your room and walkway uncluttered and ensure adequate lighting.
• Wear closed-back shoes or slippers with rubber soles to prevent slipping.
• Let your nurse know if you have trouble walking with equipment like an IV pole, drains and urinary catheter.
• Reach for the arms of your chair before sitting down.
• Change your positions slowly by sitting on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing. This helps your blood pressure adjust to the position change.
• When standing up from a seated position, push up from the bed or chair, do not pull on a walker or furniture as they may tip. Always ensure brakes are applied on wheelchairs or walkers.

If you are coming in for a clinic visit or through the Emergency Department, please let the staff know if you did not bring your mobility device with you but require one.

Bed rail safety

Bed rails help patients move on their own, like repositioning in bed and moving from bed to the chair. Patients and family often believe bed rails will help to prevent falls. It’s important to know that bed rails can be a form of restraint and that they are not proven to prevent falls.

Most patients can be in bed safely without bed rails. All options will be explored with patients and families before any form of restraints—including bed rails are used. Please discuss with your care team whether or not bed rails are indicated and remember to keep the bed at the lowest level except when receiving care.

Community resources

• Ontario Health atHome
  905-796-0040
• Lifeline
  1-866-970-6536
• Peel Senior Link
  905-712-4413
• ESS Support Services
  416-243-0127
• Arthritis Society of Canada
  1-800-321-1433
• CNIB Foundation
  1-800-563-2642
• Peel Region Health
  905-799-7700
• CMHC's Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence Program
  1-800-668-2642