Preventing falls at home: a room by room check

The bedroom

Put the bed at a height where feet rest flat on the floor when sitting. A firm chair with arms beside the bed helps with standing up.

Keep a rechargeable lamp or torch within reach. During power cuts, the walk to the bathroom in the dark is the riskiest moment of the day.

The bathroom

A wet tiled floor is the most common place for a fall. Fit a non-slip mat inside and outside the shower and a grab rail by the toilet; a carpenter in Uyo can fit one in an afternoon.

A plastic shower chair lets someone wash sitting down. Keep soap and towel within reach so nobody stretches.

Floors and stairs

Remove loose rugs and runners, or tape their edges flat. Move wires and extension boxes away from walking routes.

Stairs need a rail on both sides if possible and good light at the top and bottom. Mark the edge of each step with bright tape.

Shoes, eyes and medicines

Slippers that fall off cause falls. Choose closed-back shoes with grip, even indoors.

Ask the family doctor to review medicines that cause dizziness, and have eyes checked once a year. Never stop a medicine without speaking to the doctor.

General information only, not medical advice. Speak to the person's own doctor about any health concern.