Slipping Up: Simple Ways to Fall-Proof Your Home
Listen to this episode here: Fall Proof your Home
Learn more at our webpage: https//qchealthcouncil.org/fall-prevention/
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall. When you hear a statistic like that, it stops you in your tracks. But falls don’t just happen to the elderly—as host Brenda Bishop and Joyce Runyan discussed in our latest Health IQ episode, unexpected slips and trips can happen at any age, often leaving lasting impacts.
Because Fall Prevention Month is all about awareness and safety, we’re breaking down what you can do right now to protect yourself and your family.
The Four Pillars of Fall Prevention
Preventing falls requires a well-rounded approach. Experts recommend focusing on four key areas:
Medications: Many prescription drugs—especially those for sleep, anxiety, or blood pressure—can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Always review medications with your doctor or pharmacist, and remember to sit on the edge of your bed for a moment before standing up to let your blood pressure adjust.
Exercise & Balance: Building strength and working on balance is essential. Simple lifestyle adjustments to keep your body moving can drastically lower your risk.
Vision & Senses: Have your eyes and feet checked yearly. Conditions like neuropathy can make it hard to feel the ground beneath you, and progressives or bifocals can distort your view of steps and curbs.
Environment: The majority of falls happen right at home.
Fall-Proofing Room by Room
Our homes are filled with hidden hazards that we walk past every day. To make your living space safer, keep these tips in mind:
Clear the Clutter: Stray boxes, trailing extension cords, and uneven carpets are major trip hazards. Make sure pathways are completely clear.
Upgrade Your Lighting: Don’t skip turning on lights, and invest in motion-sensor nightlights for hallways and bathrooms—especially if you wake up disoriented in the middle of the night.
Choose the Right Shoes: It’s time to ditch the slide-on slippers and worn-out shoes. Look for shoes with a solid heel support, a good toe box, textured traction soles, and proper laces to keep your feet secure.
Watch the Transitions: Be mindful of flooring changes, such as moving from wood or tile to thick carpet, where toes can easily catch.
Take Action Today
You don’t have to wait for an accident to happen to make changes. Check out the Quay County Health Council website for detailed tip sheets, business safety resources, and home checklists to help you protect your family.
