A retrospective cohort study examined a demographically representative
sample from a Washington State integrated health system.
Health plan members aged 65 or older, including 2,095 Enhance-
Fitness users, 13,576 Silver Sneakers users, and 55,127 nonusers
Stairways
3 Make sure all handrails are not broken and are securely fastened.
3 Both sides of the steps should have handrails.
Floors and rugs
3 Make sure all floor boards are even and rugs, including area rugs, are secured to
the floor with tacks, non-skid pads or double-sided tape.
3 Use non-skid floor wax.
Bathroom
3 Be sure that you can move safely in bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or
shower.
3 Remove soap build-up in tub or shower on a regular basis.
3 Place non-slip strips in bath/shower.
3 Install adjustable height shower heads.
3 Mount grab bars at the toilet, bath and shower on walls with secure
reinforcements, to prevent the bars from coming loose.
3 Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
Kitchen
3 Items that you use frequently, such as dishes and food items, should be easy to
reach.
3 If you have to use a step stool, make sure that it has a bar at the top to hold on to.
Lighting
3 Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways.
3 Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
3 Place a lamp (and telephone) near your bed.
3 Keep lighting uniform in each room and add lighting to dark spaces.