BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 77

Take action and fight the 5 home hazards Moss, rugs, power cords, chairs and puddles - these are just 5 of the many things responsible for over 280,000 serious falls around New Zealand homes last year. Find out how to take action and Fight the 5 – you’ll see that it’s surprisingly easy to avoid injury and make your home a safer one. 1 Moss Moss on outside steps, paths and decks can be very slippery. Action: • Waterblast, scrub or spray these areas with moss removal products • Cut trees and shrubs back to prevent shade – conditions which moss thrives in • Highlight step edges with painted strips • Light any dim outside areas • Build new decks with grooved timber • When painting decks, use nonslip paint or a grit-additive. 2 Power Cords Snaking power cords, telephone wires and general clutter are easy to trip over. Action: • Get them out of harm’s way with cord clips, quick-release power cords or multi-boxes • Secure any loose cords or wires to the wall • Tidy away general clutter, use baskets and other storage systems. 3 Rugs & Mats Unsecured rugs and mats on floors and stairs can cause falls. Action: • Secure them with anti-slip tape or spray on a non-slip coating • Use carpet grips for mats • Repair damaged carpet on stairs • If you’re buying a new rug, then look for one with a non-slip backing • Wear shoes or slippers (rather than socks) on wooden floors. General advice Preventing falls while at Home 4 Chairs Chairs aren’t ladders and are very unstable if you stand on them. Action: • Use a ladder or step-ladder to reach high objects • Store heavy, regularly used objects down lower • Use long-life smoke alarms and light bulbs so you don’t have to change them so often. 5 Puddles Wet areas are hazardous. Action: • Wipe up spills as soon as they happen with mops, sponges or cloths • Use non-slip bath/shower mats • Use floor mats to absorb any excess water • Install handrails to assist getting out of the bath/shower • If renovating, install non-slip flooring in wet rooms (bathroom, kitchen and laundry). 75