Injury Prevention
Durham Region Health Department
Received Feb 2003
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Injury Prevention
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Other tips and information Home - Remove scatter rugs or mats that could bunch up and cause someone to trip. - Repair all flooring in poor condition. - Use non-slip, no-wax flooring. Ensure that electrical or telephone cords do not extend across the room. - Wear well fitted slippers with non-slip soles and heel support. - Watch for pets lying in your path. - Provide enough space to walk between furniture and remove clutter. Kitchen! - Use a sturdy step stool with handrails for hard to reach items. - Store frequently used items in cupboards where they are easily reached. - Store heavy objects in low cupboards. - Be sure to have adequate room to move freely between the fridge, counter, stove and sink. - Use an electric kettle with a whistle and automatic shut off switch. - Keep the floor dry and clean of all spills. - Use only non-slip, no-wax flooring. Bathroom!
- Use a rubber-backed bath mat on the floor - Keep a night light in the bathroom - Bath oils make the tub slippery. Use caution when standing or getting in and out of the tub. - Install a wall mounted grab bar or a tub rail. Tub rails can be fastened to the edge of the tub and then removed when necessary. - Use non-slip decals or a securely anchored non-slip rubber bath mat in the bathtub. - Test the bath water temperature before stepping in to avoid scalds or burns. - Keep the toilet paper within easy reach of the toilet. Bedroom! - Keep a clear path especially between the bed and the door. - Keep a phone extension at the bedside. - Ensure that the room is well lit. Have light switches at the doorway and a lamp at the bedside. - Have a well-lit path between the bedroom and the bathroom. Use a nightlight. - Have your bed at a height that is comfortable to get on and off. - Keep bedspread hems off the floor to avoid tripping. Stairway! - Railings should be well secured and ideally be installed on both sides of stairway. - The railings should extend past the top and bottom of steps for extra support. - Stairs should have a non-slip surface. - Each step should be of the same depth and rise and be in good repair. - do not store items on stairways. Steps should be clear of objects. - Stairways should be well lit, with light switch at the top and bottom when possible. Caution. Watch your step For more information call: Durham Health Connection Line (905) 723-8521 or 1 (800) 841-2729 Extension 2158 |