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STAY STEADY
Fall Prevention
For people with osteoporosis, falls are a leading cause of fractures — but fall prevention strategies can significantly reduce this risk and help maintain bone health, independence and quality of life.
Audio version, about 4 minutes.
Hazards at home
- Slippery floors or loose rugs
- Poor lighting in hallways, staircases and bathrooms
- Unstable furniture or cluttered walkways
- Lack of grab bars in bathrooms or handrails along stairs
Personal risk factors
- Balance issues or muscle weakness
- Vision impairments
- Certain medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness
WALK THROUGH YOUR HOME
Room by room checklist
Walk through your home room by room, and talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any medications that make you feel dizzy.
Entrance and hallways
- Clear path, nothing to step over
- Loose mats taped down or removed
- A light you can reach from the door
Bathroom
- Grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
- Non-slip mat inside the tub
- Night light left on
Stairs
- Handrail on both sides, firmly fixed
- Light switch at the top and bottom
- Nothing stored on the steps
Kitchen
- Everyday items within easy reach
- Spills wiped up straight away
- A sturdy step stool, never a chair
Bedroom
- Lamp and phone reachable from bed
- Clear route to the bathroom at night
- Slippers with a back and a grip sole
Outside
- Steps and walkway in good repair
- Salt or sand ready for ice
- Outdoor light that comes on by itself
Balance exercises you can do at home
A short set you can follow along with, standing behind a chair. Captioned, with an audio-described version.
Not sure where to start?
Walk through your home room by room, and talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any medications that make you feel dizzy.
Back to your journey
Falls are chapter 4 of the Fracture Journey. Pick up where you left off.