How to Prevent Falls in your Home

• Exercise - for individuals with a visual impairment, staying active is critical. Inactivity can lead to weakness and contributes to the chances of falling. Non-aerobic and non-impact exercise programs are available from your health care provider.

• Make your home a safe place:
  • Keep the walking path from room to room, and the stairs free of obstacles.
  • Throw rugs that may slip or trip, can be secured with double sided tape.
  • Move items you use to cabinets you do not have to use a step stool to reach.
  • Put grab bars in the bathroom, and non skid mats

  • Use shoes that give support and have non-slip soles.

• Review your medications: as you age your metabolism changes and the amount of medications you need to reach the same effect may change. Many medications can make you drowsy or light-headed.

• Have your vision checked.

Last Revised: September 08, 2006