Preventing Falls at Home: Safety Tips for High-Traffic Areas
For Canadians 65 and older, slips and falls often lead to back, hip, or neck pain — negatively affecting their independence and quality of life.
Most incidents happen in and around the home. Here are some tips on how to keep high-traffic areas safe:
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∙ Fall Prevention & Mobility Enhancement in Older Adults
∙ Top 6 Common Myths About Chiropractic Treatment
∙ Looking for a Canadian Chiropractor? Find a Local Practitioner Now
Improving Kitchen Safety
- Replace loose scatter mats with rugs that have rubber backing.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Keep everyday items on shelves within easy reach.
- Make sure no extension cords cross your path.
- Never climb on a chair or stool to reach for something.
- Add gliders to your chairs to make moving them easier when you sit down or get up from the table.
- Use non-slip floor wax.
Improving Bathroom Safety
- Use a non-slip mat inside and outside of tubs and/or showers.
- Purchase a non-slip bath and shower bench to get in and out safely.
- Install grab bars by the toilet, as well as in the tub and shower area.
- Install a raised toilet seat to make getting on and off easier.
Improving Stairway Safety
- Ensure there’s no clutter/trip hazards on the stairs (i.e. clothing, towels, etc.).
- Repair loose railings and secure loose or wrinkled carpet on stairs.
- Install non-slip strips on the edge of each step.
- Ensure stairways are properly lit.
- Avoid carrying heavy or challenging loads while on stairways.
Improving Safety Outdoors
- Keep a covered bucket of sand or salt near the doorway in winter to safely handle slippery conditions.
- Make sure outdoor railings and stairs are sturdy and secure. Install railings on both sides of outdoor stairways (if needed).
- Keep steps and pathways clear of clutter such as yard tools, snow shovels, newspapers, and wet leaves.
- Don’t juggle parcels while trying to enter the house. Never carry more than is reasonable. Instead, make a few trips from the car with smaller packages.
| SEE ALSO: Lifting Loads Safely: 8 Tips from Canadian Chiropractors
Experiencing Pain After a Fall? Find a Local Chiropractor Now
When it comes to musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, many Canadians choose to just “tough it out.” However, ignoring any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing after a fall can actually make your condition worse.
Chiropractors are able to develop personalized treatment plans, as well as use a non-invasive, drug-free approach to improve mobility and quality of life.
DISCLAIMER: No information from this document is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. The CCA recognizes that research and data is constantly evolving. Please use this information in conjunction with the best available evidence.