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Preventing Falls at Home
Preventing Falls at HomeWhile recovering in the hospital you took added care to prevent falls in order to recover and heal safely. Onceyou are at home, it is important to continue to follow the fall prevention strategies you have begun.If possible, prepare your home for recovery before you go to the hospital. If your trip to the hospital was suddenor unplanned, ask a family member or friend to prepare your home for your recovery before you get there.To prepare your home, create a living area on one floor if possible, so you can avoid the stairs. Make sure yourliving area includes access to a telephone within reach at all times.Tripping or falling can cause you injury. Even a minor trip can result in a return to the hospital. Remove throwrugs, electrical cords or wires and other tripping hazards from the area. Tack down any loose carpeting.Pets that can get underfoot and cause you to fall should be kept out of the living area until you are more stableon your feet.Add nightlights to the hallways, bedrooms and bathroom. Keep a flashlight near your bed in case you need toget up in the night. And wear your glasses.Always wear tread socks or properly fitting shoes when walking, even for a quick trip to the restroom. Just likein the hospital, treads will grip bare floors to prevent slipping.If you have stairs, make sure the handrail is secure.When preparing your home, pay special attention to the bathroom. Install handrails near the toilet and in theshower. You can put a chair in the bathtub in case you need to rest while showering. Use a hand-held showerhead.And you may want to purchase a personal urinal, commode chair or toilet seat riser to make trips to therestroom easier.As you recover, you may need help doing many of the routine activities of daily living, like cooking. Pre-cookseveral meals before your trip to the hospital and freeze them for later.Stock your pantry ahead of time.If you are restricted from bending or lifting, make sure your dishes, food and clothing are waist to shoulder levelfor easy access.If you are generally in charge of yard work or have small projects around the house that need to be finished, dothem before you go to the hospital.And make sure your family members and friends are available to help you as you recover. Don’t be afraid toask for help when you need it. If you live alone, ask a friend or family member to call you regularly to check in.They have your best interests at heart and want to make sure you recover safely.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59401B EN PreventingFallsatHome.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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