This collection of articles is meant to assist you as you begin helping your parents navigate the aging process.

Planning and preventative measures can allow both you and them to handle the changes to come with understanding and dignity.

fall-safe home:

In all rooms

• Move newspapers, boxes, electrical and phone cords, plants and furniture from traffic areas, especially hallways.
• Store clothing, bed coverings and other household items where they can be easily reached.
• Keep hallways clutter-free: avoid small tables covered with knick-knacks.

    On floors

• Make sure all floorboards are even.
• If possible, remove area rugs. If they must remain, secure them to the floor with tacks, non-skid pads or double-sided tape. 
• Use non-skid floor wax.

 On stairways

• Make sure all handrails are in good shape and are securely fastened, and that they're located on both sides of the steps. 
• Check carpet and rubber mats on the steps: are they secure and not frayed? 
• Place brightly colored adhesive tape on the edge of each step - it’s a good way to signal you've reached the drop-off point. 
• If the carpet on steps is old, frayed or generally slippery, consider replacing it. 

   In the bathroom

• Make sure there's enough room to move around safely and that getting in and out of the tub or shower is not a problem.
• Remove soap build-up in the tub or shower on a regular basis.
• Place non-slip strips in the bath/shower.
• Install adjustable-height shower heads.
• Mount grab bars with secure reinforcements on the wall near the toilet and inside the bath/shower.
• Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
• Make sure the shower curtain isn't held up by a tension rod that could easily come down if it's grasped or tugged. Install a rod that's bolted to the wall. 
• Attach a liquid soap dispenser in the shower to avoid slipping and falling when trying to retrieve a dropped bar of soap.
• Make sure the water is set at a safe temperature (120°F or lower); many older people lose temperature sensitivity and can scald themselves.

 In the kitchen

• Make sure items that are used frequently are placed within easy reach.

• Keep a sturdy step stool handy, preferably one with a grab bar at the top.

• Install Lazy Susans (circular trays that hold items and spin) inside cabinets, so that frequently used dishes, pots, pans and cooking materials are easy to reach. Reaching too high or too low can easily throw someone off balance. 

• Additional kitchen safety measures include: 

  • Replace standard dials on the stove with large ones that are easy to read. Make sure the "off" button is very visible (consider marking it red). 

  • Purchase real pot holders and make sure they're used - instead of small towels or aprons - to pick up hot pots and plates. Store pot holders within easy reach.

 All household lighting

• Place night lights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways. Movement-activated lights are helpful when one gets up in the middle of the night.

• Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Place a lamp (and a telephone) near the bed.

• Maintain uniform lighting in each room and add lighting to dark spaces.