May 2000

What do you see as the most dangerous area in the house for seniors and why?
Bathrooms: 2-inch low toilets, stepping over sides of bathtubs onto slick surfaces.

What do you see as the most dangerous area in the house for seniors and why?
Bathroom

What health promotion measures can be taken to reduce the risks of falls among seniors?
Adaptive equipment like bars in tubs/showers, remove shower doors. Make hallways 6" wider than normal.

Do you feel that it is important for seniors to take preventative steps in making their home a safer place?
Of course - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

At what age to you think these steps should be taken?
At a healthy age

What steps do you recommend to reduce the risk of falls among the senior population in their own homes and yards?
Safety bars in bathrooms, outside steps need hand railings from top to bottom, raise the flowerbeds for patio gardening.

What type of injuries result from falls?
Hip and bone fractures - the older you are the more devastating it is.