1. The floor and the walkway (the dangerous area, number 1)
- Removing obstacles: the walkway must be clear and at least 90 cm wide. Put away electrical cords, rugs, or decorations that may cause tripping and falling
- Floors at different levels: avoid floors at different levels; they should be adjusted into a ramp instead (if it can be done), and rugs with an edge or a slippery surface must not be used
2. The bathroom (the point with the highest risk of slipping and falling)
The bathroom is usually the wettest and the most slippery, so special importance must be given to it
- The surface: use non-slip tiles or install non-slip rubber sheets that adhere to the floor well
- Handrails: install strong horizontal and vertical handrails at the area of the toilet bowl and the area for bathing
- Sanitary ware: use a toilet bowl of the flat-sitting kind, at a height suitable for getting up and sitting down
- The door: it should be a door that opens outwards or a sliding door, and it should be able to be unlocked from outside in an emergency
3. The bedroom and the bed
- The height of the bed: it should be at a level at which an older person, when sitting, can touch the floor with the whole sole of the foot (the level of the back of the knee)
- Necessary things: place the necessary things (a torch, drinking water) on the bedside table in a position that can be reached easily
- The light switch: install a light switch at the head of the bed and at the door of the room, and there should be a dim light / a sensor light guiding the way to the bathroom at night
4. The stairs
- Handrails: install strong handrails along the whole line, on both sides
- Lighting: there must be enough light, and a light switch that can be turned on and off both at the top and at the bottom
- Visibility: attach reflective strips / non-slip strips at the area of the edge of the steps, in order to help them be seen clearly
5. The kitchen
- Storage: store the things used often at a level that can be picked up easily, without having to bend down low or reach up high
- Sitting: if standing for a long time is needed, there should be a stable chair for sitting while working in the kitchen
6. Lighting
- Enough light is the best prevention of falling. Check to be sure that every area used and every dark walkway has enough light to be able to see at all times
7. Emergency assistance equipment
- Install a call signal / an emergency button at the points of risk, such as the bathroom and beside the bed, so that help can be asked for immediately
These adjustments are truly an investment for the safety of the person you love. Beginning to survey the points of risk in the house today reduces the chance of an accident that could change a life