In the News - June 2009
Make home safe by reducing chances for falls
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Your home may not be as safe as you think, according to
Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
"Nearly two million people are treated in emergency rooms across the country
because of falls, and about 13,000 die," McKinnon says.
Many of those injuries could have been prevented with some home maintenance,
she says, which may eliminate hazards in nearly every room of the house.
"Get help moving furniture if the pathway is not clear, and you have to walk
around furniture," she advises. "Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a
non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip. Pick up clutter on the floor."
Electrical cords are another overlooked potential hazard. Make sure all cords
run along the wall edge. This includes lamp cords, telephone cords or extension
cords, which can trip you.
"Consider hiring an electrician to install additional outlets," McKinnon
says.
Steps and stairs can be hazardous if not maintained properly. To assure
safety:
- Pick up items on the steps and stairs inside and outside your
home. Don't let papers, shoes, books or other items accumulate on
the steps.
- Fix loose or uneven steps and have boards replaced on porches
and decks that are weak.
- If lighting is bad, have an electrician install an overhead
light at the bottom and top of the stairs or steps. Make sure there
is a switch for the lights at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- If there is carpet on the steps, make sure it is firmly
attached to every step. Fix any loose handrails or put in new ones.
- Make sure there are handrails on both sides of the steps,
securely fastened to the wall.
In addition to stairs, other areas of the house may be made safer through
simple changes. Store items you use frequently on low shelves. If you must use a
step stool, make sure it has a safety bar. Never use a chair as a step stool.
"Bathrooms can be the source of many falls, especially for older residents,"
McKinnon says. Install a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor
of your tub or shower. If you need support when you get in and out of the tub or
up from the toilet, have a carpenter install grab bars.
In the bedroom, put a lamp near the bed on each side where it's easy to
reach. A nightlight can help you see objects that might otherwise cause you to
trip. Night-lights are available that go off by themselves during the day and
come on after dark.
McKinnon says regular exercise can make you stronger and improve your balance
and coordination. This might help you avoid falls.
"Improve lighting in your home," she recommends. "Put in brighter light
bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use. Add lighting in dark
areas."
Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone. Keep your cell phone
in your pocket in case you fall and can't get to a phone for help. For older
residents or people with medical conditions, personal alarm devices can bring
help in case you fall and can't get up.
The Cooperative Extension Service is
part of the U of A Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service offers its program to all eligible persons regardless of race, color,
national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status,
or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Employer.
June 19, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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