Follow these simple tips to avoid falls

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December 2, 2003
Pat V Timberlake
Real Living with Multiple Sclerosis

I DID IT AGAIN TODAY!

Transferring from my wheelchair to my bed, I tumbled to the floor. I had yet another fall. Many of us with MS will experience falls. In 1996, 14,986 deaths in the United States resulted from a fall. Additionally, many others experienced less serious falls, such as mine, that weren't reported.

Most falls are accidental, caused by slippery ice, an unexpected curb step, a wet floor, or a new prescription. The good news is that many falls are preventable.

Lauro Halstead, MD, clinician and researcher at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, is the director of the Spinal Cord Injury and Post-Polio Program. He reminds us that, "Many people fall on their steps or in the bathroom. These falls are particularly dangerous because of the hard surfaces and sharp corners."

Because falls are common for those of us with MS, and many are preventable, you should inspect your home for things that could cause you to lose your balance and fall.

Tips to Help Avoid Falls

Kitchen

• Move items that you use regularly to low shelves in the pantry and cabinets.

• Avoid standing on your toes to reach goods.

• Ask someone to help lift heavy or full dishes and pans.

• Clean up spills on the floor immediately.

• Use a simple elevated toilet seat.

• Use a tub bench or shower chair for bathing.

• Install grab bars near the toilet and the shower/tub.

• Add nonslip tub and/or shower mats.

• Try body wash instead of a bar of soap. You'll be less likely to drop it.

• Lower closet rods.

• Keep seasonal apparel toward the front of the closet.

• Lower or raise your bed for easy accessibility.

• Make sure all stairs with more than three steps have handrails, preferably on both sides.

• Tack down nonskid treads on stair carpet runners.

• Eliminate all loose carpet pieces and throw rugs.

• Notice whether high-pile carpet is a problem in your home. If so, replace it as soon as possible.

• Place night-lights in appropriate places, according to foot traffic patterns.

• Carry smaller armloads so your balance will not be affected.

• Check to see if there is too much furniture where people will walk.

• Remove all telephone wires, electrical cords, and rug runners from walkways.

• Wear low, rubber-soled shoes, not slippers, which may cause you to slip and fall.

• Keep halls, stairways, and paths free of loose rugs, children's toys, and other clutter.

Prevention steps can be taken easily to make your home a safer place. Falls can be embarrassing, traumatic, and injurious.

After a fall-or better yet, before a fall-check and correct potential hazards in your home. Prevent the falls that you can, and adopt the adage: "I get up.. .1 walk.. .1 fall down.. .Meanwhile. . .1 keep dancing.

In 1996, 14,986 deaths in the United States resulted from a fall.
 

Copyright © 2003, Real Living with Multiple Sclerosis