‘Best Foot Forward’

Creating a safe home environment to reduce the risk of falls in people

with an intellectual disability

www.happybones.ie

Some Practical Advice - Environment

General Access• All public entry and exit areas are free

from clutter

• All areas are well lit, especially at night time

• Pathways are smooth

• Steps are wide and clearly marked

• All hand rails are well secured

• External paths are well maintained with no overgrowth and are free from mud

• In winter grit should be used to reduce the risk of ice formation

Entrance Hall / Reception• All public entry and exit areas are free from clutter

• All areas are well lit especially at night time

• Steps are clearly marked

• All hand rails are well secured - hand rails should be available on both sides of the stairs/passageways

• Floors are smooth

• Floors are dry

• Staircase carpets are well secured and not worn

• Mats and rugs should not be used

• Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately

Living Areas / Kitchen• All areas are well lit

• Emergency exits are clearly signposted

• Areas are clutter free at all times

• Door handles are well secured

• Regularly used items are stored safely within reach

• Mats and rugs should not be used - but a non slip mat may be used at a sink area

• Chairs/sofas should be an appropriate height

• Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately

Bedroom• Clutter free

• Provision of adequate personal storage

• Good central lighting with individual bedside lights

• Night lights should be used

• Regularly used personal items should be located in a nearby bedside table

• Bed spreads should not extend to the floor

• Mats and rugs should not be used

• Bed height relevant to individuals, any wheels should be locked, no castors should be used on uncarpeted floors

Bathroom (1)• Should be well lit with emergency

lighting in the event of a power failure

• Hooks provided to hang clothing items on

• Towel rail adjacent to shower/bath

• Grab rails securely fixed

• Non slip mats used in bath/shower area

• Good floor drainage to prevent collections of water around shower drain

• Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately

Bathroom (2)• Safe use of personal toiletries in

bathroom could spill and cause a hazard

• Safe storage for cleaning items etc

• Shower caddy located in shower to store personal items

• Toilet seat - use of high level seat as appropriate

• Holders for toilet rolls next to toilet

• Everything should be within easy reach

Garden / Communal Area• Hand rails are well secured

• Paths/patio’s should be well maintained

• Garden design promotes personal safety

• No trip hazards

• Good lighting in all areas

• Seating areas well maintained

• Garden regularly maintained

• Seasonal hazards considered e.g. leaves in autumn swept up regularly, ice and snow in winter - grit used on walkways

Some Practical Advice - Minimising the Risk of Falls in People with an Intellectual Disability

Clothing & Footwear• Personal pendant alarm worn as appropriate e.g.

wrist or necklace at all times - ensure regular checks to ensure it is working

• Shoes should be well fitting and provide sufficient support - ask a shoe shop to check appropriateness of size and general fitting

• Shoes should always be fastened properly

• Regular appointments with a podiatrist should be made for those people with foot problems including diabetes

• Callus’ and corns should be treated

• Custom made shoes and insoles worn/reassessed/replaced as advised

• Clothing should be well fitting. Trousers, skirts and nightwear should not be longer than sitting just below the ankles

Mobility Aids / Exercise & Diet

• Use walking aid as recommended

• Replace ferrules on walking aids when worn

• Ensure walking aids are in good working order

• Ensure grab rails are the correct height and are well secured

• Regular exercise according to ability as outlined in Happy Bones - www.happybones.ie

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for exercise

• A well balanced diet to keep muscles and bones strong is important - see Happy Bones - www.happybones.ie

Medication / Eye Sight & Hearing• Take all medication as prescribed

• Some medications can increase the risk of falling and therefore all medications need to be reviewed by the doctor/pharmacist regularly

• Episodes of dizziness or light headedness must be reported

• Regular eye checks must be undertaken

• Eye glasses should be worn as prescribed and should always be clean

• Any changes to eye sight should be reported to the optician

• Hearing aids must be worn if prescribed and must be regularly checked

‘Best Foot Forward’

Content developed by Daragh Rodger

ANP Care of Older Person, Community. St Mary’s Campus, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland

as part of the Happy Bones Project - see www.happybones.ie

contact daragh.rodger@hse.ie

Developed with the support of service users and staff from

Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services - Dublin

2016