Falling is the most common cause of household injuries. It is especially dangerous for older Americans, as a fall can be fatal or have serious long-term affects like physical impairment, loss of independence, and costly medical bills. Since six out of every 10 falls happen at home, take our quiz to test your IQ on fall-proofing your home.
1. Which of the following are falling safety hazards that are found at floor- or ground-level and should be addressed first to fall-proof your home?
- Clutter
- Everyday objects like electrical cords and phone cords, pet bowls and small furniture
- Throw rugs that move, curl or bunch
- Slippery surfaces like spilled liquid or icy walkways
- All of the Above
2. In terms of fall-proofing stairs as much as possible, which of the following are rules that should always be followed? (Circle all that apply.)
- Use non-slip strips, especially on outdoor stairs
- Install handrails, and make sure they are secure enough to hold an adult’s weight
- Avoid using stairs altogether
- Keep stairs free of clutter, liquid, and ice at all times
- Ensure proper lighting, and install a light switch at both the top and bottom of the stairs
3. True or False? Lighting plays a big factor in preventing falls.
4. When fall-proofing your home, which of the following are spots where you should ensure there is always adequate lighting?
- Stairways
- Outdoor and indoor sides of entrances
- Outdoor walkways
- Commonly used rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms, the kitchen, and the living room
- All of the Above
5. Which of the following is another area of great importance for preventing falls in the home?
- Trampolines
- Improper footwear
- Assessing risk factors like medical conditions and medications
- Installing ramps
6. True or False? People fall just because they get older.
7. Which of the following are personal risk factors that increase the chances of falling and should be addressed to decrease that risk?
- Weak muscles, especially in the legs
- Any condition or medication that affects a person’s walking gait or balance
- Foot problems and/or unsafe or poorly fitting footwear
- Poor eyesight or the loss of the sense of touch
- All of the Above
8. True or False? The more medication a person takes, the greater the chances of falling.
Resources: Information provided by The National Institute on Aging: Senior Health.
ANSWERS
Answer 1. E) All of the Above.
Answer 2. A), B), D) and E). Keeping stairs as safe as possible is important for reducing falls.
Answer 3. True. Many falls occur because it was too dark to see obstacles or unsafe conditions.
Answer 4. E) All of the Above. Making sure all areas of your home are well-lit is an important step in fall-proofing any residence.
Answer 5. C) Assessing risk factors like medical conditions and medications. Some medications and medical issues can greatly increase the risk of falling.
Answer 6. False. Older people don’t ‘just fall’ because they are older; usually there is a medical condition that needs to be addressed to help prevent falling.
Answer 7. E) All of the Above. There are many personal issues that can increase the risk of falling that should be addressed with a doctor.
Answer 8. True. Medications can interact with one another and create dizziness, confusion, or affect a person’s balance.