Partner: Make Your Home Safer

What is a fall? What do you think a fall is? What does a fall look like? Which of these images are falls?

What is a fall? The World Health Organization defines a fall as “an unexpected event which results in a person coming to rest on the ground floor or other lower level” Have you or someone you know had a fall before? How did you/they fall?

Why do people fall? Falls are not a normal part of getting older. Falls can happen for many reasons including, and often combinations of reasons including: Health conditions, iIllness or weakness Some medications or taking multiple medications Poor or changing eyesight Sore feet or unsafe footwear Loss of balance Not doing enough physical activity Hazards in and around the home

What is a hazard?

What is a hazard? A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or negative health effects on something or someone. They can occur anywhere! Sometimes, the biggest hazards are in environments where people are most comfortable and familiar, such as a person’s home or backyard. Hazards can be things like: Loose rugs and mats Poor lighting Clutter Garden tools left outside Spills and wet floors Cords in areas where you walk Even pets!

Can anyone think of any hazards in your own home? Can anyone see any hazards in the room we are currently in? What could be done to remove these hazards?

What can you do to Make Your Home Safer?

Floors Repair or replace damaged carpet and rugs Remove or secure mats with non-slip backing Clean up spills straight away Use extra care when in wet areas like the bathroom and kitchen Use slip resistant treatments on slippery floors and showers

Stairs, steps and ladders Make sure your ladder is steady, easy to use and in good condition Always have someone helping you when using a ladder If you have trouble accessing your shower consider steps or a hand rail Make sure steps and pavers are secure and not damaged Use high contrast tape to help see the edge of steps or door frames

Lighting Use bright lights in your home and make sure switches are easy to reach Consider sensor lights in darker areas such as hallways and outside your front door Have a night light or lamp to avoid walking to the light switch in the dark Turn lights on even if you are only in a room for a short time Give yourself time to adjust to changes in lighting

Furniture and storage Keep bulky or heavy items in easy to reach places at waist height Adjust your cupboards or shelving so you don’t have to reach too high or low Keep everyday items like your phone or medication in easy to reach places If you use a walking aid keep it within reach but not blocking walkways If you have trouble getting up from furniture speak to an Occupational Therapist about your options

Walkways Keep your floors free from clutter Keep loose cords out of the way or against a wall Put a collar or bell on your pets so you can hear them coming Have wide and clear paths to help move through the house safely Keep bedspreads and blankets tucked away and off the floor

Outside of your home Keep footpaths free of pot plants and overgrown plants Make sure the pavers in your outdoor areas are free from damage Keep footpaths and entrance to your house and car well lit Put garden tools away as soon as you have finished with them Wear enclosed shoes with good grip when you are outside

Who can help? Have a think about who you might ask to help make your home safer.

Who can help Family and friends Family and friends are a great source of help. You might like to complete a Home Safety Checklist with them and make a plan to carry out any changes. General Practitioner (GP) A GP gives advice on what actions need to be taken to address health issues and refers them to other services. Occupational Therapist An OT can assess a home environment for potential hazards and can make modifications to make the home safer. Physiotherapist A physiotherapist can assess, diagnose, treat and work with clients to prevent disease and injury through physical means. Home care service providers Home care service providers can give support to older adults who wish to live independently in their own home. Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) Teams of health professionals that assess an older adults physical, mental, medical, healing, cultural and social needs. These The Independent Living Centre Provides home modification services, information and advice to support a person’s safety in their home. Falls Specialist Service The falls specialist service works with older adults to help them reduce their risk of having a fall. To access the service a GP referral is required.

Summary Remember: Falls are preventable Remove hazards to make your home safer Making simple changes can reduce your risk of falling at home When you leave today: Use your home safety checklist and action plan to make a change If you fall, let someone know Ask about an in home assessment if you feel you need one

Complete your action plan

Complete the quiz

Questions?

Thank you for participating!

Partner: Stay On Your Feet WA® is provided by Injury Matters and funded by the Western Australian Department of Health