Among older adults, one out of five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury, according to the CDC. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again — so the time to prevent falls is now.

In the home…

• Don't leave books, papers, clothes, and shoes on the floor or stairs.
• Install no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors, as well as on stair treads.
• Place nightlights in your bedroom, hallways, bathroom and other areas.
• Don't stand on a chair or table to reach something that's too high. Use a "reach stick" instead, or ask for help.

Get more tips on reducing falls at home.

Feel like fall-proofing your home is too big a job to tackle alone? Help is available! Visit VirginiaNavigator.org, enter your ZIP code and select Home Modification & Safety from the drop-down list. You’ll see a list of programs and resources in your area.

 

E-QUICKTIPS is a fast, free resource for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and those who care for them.  Please feel free to add your branding, logo, or company name, and share this tip with employees, colleagues, and clients through listservs, newsletters, and bulletin boards, referencing VirginiaNavigator as the source.  By passing this information along, together we can create a ripple effect that can touch thousands of lives.