• Have vision/eyewear prescriptions, and ears/hearing checked regularly.
• Talk to your doctor about drug side effects and interactions with other medications that can cause blurry vision or dizziness.
• Exercise regularly to promote strong bones, flexibility, and balance.

• Wear supportive low-heeled shoes with soles that provide traction. Avoid walking in loose fitting slippers or in socks.
• Be cautious of tripping hazards and slick weather conditions when walking outdoors.
• Carry a small load that you can see over and leave a hand free to grasp railings.
• Avoid walking on uneven or poorly maintained surfaces, along cluttered sidewalks, or in poorly lit places like theaters. Only use stairs with handrails.

• Securely install handrails on both sides and be sure the rail extends past the last step.
• Always turn on a light in stairways. Have a switch at the top and the bottom of the staircase.
• Maintain floor coverings, tack down carpet edges and keep stairs/steps clear of items.
• Step slowly with your hands free to grasp the rails.

• Remove loose area rugs or secure to the floor with double-sided tape.
• Eliminate excess or oversized furniture and objects. Select chairs/sofas with sturdy arms.
• Provide bright, even lighting and be sure you don’t have to walk through a dark room to turn on a light. Install night-lights.
• Secure slack in phone and power cords and keep them out of pathways.

• Store often-used and heavy products within reach and in low cabinets.
• Only climb on sturdy step stools with handrails to reach – never a stool or chair with wheels.
• Clean up spills immediately.

• Use rubber bathmats or non-skid strips in tubs/showers.
• Install at least two grab bars and secure a stool in the tub.
• Use raised toilet seats and/or handrails.
• Wipe up water from the floor immediately.

• Have a night-light and/or keep a light or flashlight at your bedside.
• Keep floor free of discarded clothing and pathways free of obstacles.
• Keep a telephone and emergency numbers on a low table in case you fall or can’t stand up.

• Keep floors clear and pathways free of obstacles.
• Keep a telephone and emergency numbers on low tables in case you fall or can’t stand up.

• Call for 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep warm while waiting for help by covering up with a blanket, coat, or even a rug.
• See a doctor, even if you don’t think you are hurt and especially if you don’t know why you fell. It could be a sign of illness or a problem with medications.

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