Make your Home Safe

Throughout your home make sure that:

  • Floors are not slippery.
  • Pathways are clear of extension cords and other objects.
  • Rugs have no ripples or tears.
  • Scatter mats are removed or taped to the floor.
  • All furniture is sturdy and chairs have armrests.
  • All light fixtures have a minimum of 60 watt bulbs.
  • Entrance to every room has a light switch.

Items used every day are stored within easy reach

Transcript

STORY OPENS IN HALLWAY OF HOME.  OLDER GENTLEMAN "BOB" WALKS THROUGH FRAME AND INTO THE LIVING ROOM. EYE GLASSES ATOP HIS HEAD. 

Story opens in hallway of home. Older gentleman "Bob" walks through the frame and into the living room; eye glasses atop his head.

Begins with quiet ambient orchestral music in the background.

NARRATOR (Authentic, Female)

"The edge of a rug, spilled tea, poor lighting or a cord."

Suddenly, Bob slips (we don't know which is the culprit). At this moment, the video goes into "extreme slow motion". Bob's eye glasses crash into the floor.

The music ramps up orchestral, similar to a song used in and Olympic figure skating routine.

"That's all it takes."

At first, Bob appears to be falling "normally", until he begins to flip/twist in the air (in slow mo) ever so gracefully.

"In fact, falls account for TWENTY THOUSAND visits to local emergency rooms every year - most involving older adults.."

After a gymnastic like rotation in the air, Bob gently touches down on his feet without incident. Camera switchs back to normal speed.

The music turns from optimistic/dramatic to soft and serene.

"If only, falling was so graceful.

(Pause)

Prevent falls - make your home safe.        

A message from Ottawa Public Health."

LOGO 

Bathroom
  • Make sure you have non-slip surfaces for the tub and shower
  • Install well-anchored grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand
  • Use a raised toilet seat, and a bath seat in the shower, if you need them
  • Keep the floor clear of water or obstacles.
  • Use a bathmat with a rubber backing after every bath or shower
  • Avoid bath oil.
Bedroom
  • Install good lighting and nightlights
  • Make sure your telephone and lamp are easy to reach
  • When getting up at night, turn on a light
  • To prevent dizziness, get up slowly after lying or sitting
  • Keep the path clear between the bedroom and bathroom
Stairs
  • Make sure stairs are well lit
  • Stairs have a non-slip surface.
  • Install solid handrails on both sides of the stairway
  • Remove your reading glasses when you go up and down the stairs
  • Never rush up or down the stairs. It's a major cause of falls
Kitchen
  • Store kitchen supplies and pots and pans in easy to reach locations
  • Store heavy items in lower cupboards
  • Keep the floor dry and free of spills to prevent slipping
  • If you use floor wax, use the non-skid kind.

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