Fall Prevention

KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE AT HOME

Nearly 250,000 Americans sustain a hip fracture each year—and most hip fractures occur as a result of a fall at home. Sadly, the national mortality rate for hip fracture is 20-30 percent within the first year.

The good new is that many falls are preventable by recognizing the hazards that may be present in the average home. The following list is designed to provide you with a critical eye as you evaluate your home.

Bahrooms:

  1. Install a nightlight. Lighting is very important especially if you get up in the night to use the bathroom.
  2. Place a slip resistant rug next to the bathtub for safe entry and exit.
  3. Apply nonskid adhesive strips on the tub or shower floor.
  4. Install grab bars on the walls around the tub and toilet if needed. Make sure they are true grab bars, properly installed. Do not use a towel rack these may pull out from the wall.

Bedrooms:

  1. Keep the floor clear of clutter.
  2. Place a lamp and flashlight near your bed.
  3. Make sure there is a lit route between the bedroom and the bathroom.
  4. Make sure the height of the bed is allows easy movement from sit to stand. If the bed is too low consider sturdy wide base risers for the legs of the bed or raise it on a platform.

Living areas:

  1. Arrange furniture to provide a clear pathway within the room and into other rooms.
  2. Remove low-rise tables, magazine racks, footrests and plants from pathways
  3. Keep electrical and telephone cords out of walkways.
  4. Lift up throw rugs where ever possible and secure any rugs that remain with double-faced tape, tacks or slip-resistant backing.
  5. Do not stand on unsteady stools, chairs, ladders, etc.
  6. Avoid wrapping your legs in blankets that may tangle and trip you if you stand.

Kitchen:

  1. Avoid over reaching when performing food preparation.
  2. Clean up spills, dropped food, etc., from floors immediately. You may need a Reacher or the help of another person to do this.
  3. Use nonskid floor wax.

Stairways:

  1. Provide enough light to clearly see each step and top and bottom landings.
  2. Repair or replace loose boards immediately.
  3. Do not leave objects on stairs.
  4. Do not use patterned or dark carpeting on stairs.

Install full-length handrails on both sides of the stairway. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of your home design be sure to discuss them with your occupational therapist or other health care

Meet our Specialists

Christopher M. Metz, MD

Originally from the Twin Cities, Dr. Metz came on board in 1998 following his studies at the University of Minnesota and residency at the University of Michigan.

Robert L. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown grew up in Minnetonka, studied at the University of Minnesota and completed his orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 1986.

Paul D. Thompson, MD

Alexandria, Minnesota was Dr. Thompson's hometown before studying at the University of North Dakota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2001 following his residency in Michigan.

Benjamin D. Robertson, MD

Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oslo [Norway] Medical School led Dr. Robertson to completion of his residency at the University of Minnesota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2007.

Amy E. Lelwica, MD

Dr. Lelwica grew up right here in Brainerd, MN and has practiced at Northern Orthopedics since 2008. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Minnesota and completed her orthopedic residency there too.

Paul T. Rud, MD

After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Finishing his residency in Michigan, Minnesotanative Dr. Rud joined the Northern Orthopedics team in 1993.

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