Preventing Falls: A Safety Checklist for Elderly Parents

Here is a checklist to determine where your parents or grandparents rank.

1. Has your family member had a fall in the last six months?
2. Has your family member had a slip, trip, or stumble over the previous six months?
3. Does your family member live alone or spend extended periods alone?
4. Does your family member have one or more of the following medical conditions: Arthritis, MS, Heart Disease, or Stroke?
5. Does your family member use a cane or walker to get around safely?
6. Does your family member feel unsteady when walking at home?
7. Does your family member steady themselves by holding on to furniture when walking in the home?
8. Does your family member worry about falling?
9. Does your family member often “rush” to the toilet?
10. Does your family member take medicine that sometimes makes them feel light-headed or more tired than usual?
11. Does your family member feel anxious when home alone?
12. Does your family member worry about something happening to them and no one knowing or noticing?
13. Does your family member want to stay in their home for as long as possible?

If you have answered yes to three or more, we have a great blog that we wrote that can help you!