Make your Home Safe

Half the number of falls happens at home. Falls on stairs and in bathrooms can cause serious injuries.  

Complete the home safety checklist in You can prevent falls 

Throughout your home make sure that: 

  • 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 light fixtures have a minimum of 60 watt bulbs. 

  • Items used every day are stored within easy reach. 

  • Store heavy items in lower cupboards or shelves. 

And clean up spills when they happen. 

Transcript of video:  Prevent falls - make your home safe

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

  • Have non-slip surfaces inside 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 needed 

  • Keep the floor clear of water or obstacles. 

  • Beside the bath or shower, use a bathmat with rubber backing    

  • Do not use bath oil. 
Bedroom

  • Install good lighting and nightlights 

  • Keep your telephone, lamp and flashlight within easy reach 

  • When getting up at night, turn on a light 

  • Get up slowly after lying or sitting to prevent dizziness 

  • Keep the path clear between the bedroom and bathroom 
Stairs

  • Make sure stairs are well lit and have a non-slip surface 

  • Use handrails on stairways 

  • Remove reading glasses when using stairs 

  • Do not store items in the stairway 

  • Avoid carrying too many items at once when using stairs 

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