-
Remove
all throw rugs and make sure electrical and phone cords are
tucked out of the way.
Consider getting a cordless phone.
-
Make
sure that the wall to wall carpeting is secured to the floor
and that there are no wrinkles or raised areas.
-
There
are safety rails available for the toilet that attach with
the same bolts that hold the seat in place. Also installing
a raised toilet seat will make gettiing up from the toilet
easier.
-
Install
safety bars on the bathtub, as well as on the bathtub and
shower walls. Do not use towel bars or soap dishes
as these items are not strong enough to support you if you
should fall.
-
Place
a non-skid pad or strips in the bottom of the bathtub and
shower.
-
Use
a shower chair to sit in the shower or bath instead of standing.
-
A
kit can be purchased that will convert your standard showerhead
into a hand held shower head.
-
Sit
when shaving, brushing your teeth, fixing hair, or putting
on make-up. Use a table top mirror or install an extra long
mirror over the sink so it can be used while standing or sitting.
-
Be
aware that you need to be very careful when walking onto one
kind of surface to another.
-
When
moving from a lying down position to a standing position,
remember to sit up first for a minute or two. Stand up slowly
and stand still a few seconds before trying to walk.
-
Arrange
items in the kitchen cupboards so the most used items will
be in easy reach.
-
Make
sure your stairways are free of clutter and well lit. Painting
the edges with bright color or applying brightly colored safety
tape will help also.
-
When
going up and down stairs remember to always use the hand rails.
Having rails on both sides of the stairways is advisable.
-
If
getting up during the night make sure you have nightlights
on to help get you oriented. Make
sure to have one light close enough to turn on next to the
bed.
-
Try
to sit on furniature that is firm and easy to get up from.
