As Daylight Savings Time is about to end at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, the Ohio Department of Aging's STEADY U Ohio initiative is providing advice for senior citizens and their families about some safety steps they can take in their home to prevent falls.

WMOA News recently spoke with the Ohio Department of Aging's Chief of Communications John Ratliff about some of their suggestions.
 

“Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, and we're working very hard to reduce those numbers. Some of the things to look for in the home is to make sure that there are clear pathways to walk through the home with no blocking furniture so that you can walk in straight lines without going around things. Good lighting, especially near doorways and stairs. Add extra lamps. Use brighter bulbs."

Ratliff also reminds us that it's important to prepare the house and ask yourself these questions.

"Are your walkways free of clutter and cords. Do you have rugs around the house and if you do have them are they secured to the floor with tape or tacks or something that will keep them from slipping up and tripping you? Is your kitchen organized in a way so that items you use all the time can be reached without reaching up or bending down."

Falls can happen at any time and place in your home. This includes outdoor as well.

"Are your floors in good shape? Do you have carpets with loose ends? Do you have floor tiles that stick up? In the bathroom, do you have slip-resistant rugs or mats? Outdoors, are your steps in good shape? Do you have handrails? Are they sturdy? Check for mud and storm debris like leaves and stuff on walkways, which can be as slippery as ice."

According to a survey performed in 1997 and 1998 by stopfalls.org, 55% of fall injuries among older people occurred inside the house. But hopefully, with the help of these suggestions, your loved ones will be around for a long time.