• Light stairways and have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Have sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs.
• Keep outdoor stairs in good repair and well lit.
• Use timers on outdoor lights to have lights come on at dusk.
• Use night-lights to light a path to the bathroom or use a flashlight.
• Tack down carpeting on stairs or use nonskid treads.
• Remove scatter/throw rugs! They may look good but they are dangerous!
• Arrange furniture so it does not become an obstacle.
• Install and use grab bars in the shower and bathroom.
• Use non-skid mats or strips in the bathtub or shower stall.
• When rising from the bed, sit up slowly to prevent dizziness and DON'T RUSH - make sure you are steady before standing and walking.
• When carrying bags, such as groceries, leave one hand free to grasp rails and don't carry too much for you!
• Watch for slippery or uneven surfaces, especially when entering or leaving a car.
• Allow extra time to cross streets, especially during bad weather.
• When walking at dusk or nighttime, carry a flashlight and wear light-colored clothing or clothing with a fluorescent strip.
• Most importantly, remain active! Weakness and poor endurance make it more difficult to do normal daily activities. Also, if you are not active, your balance system begins to decline and you have a much more difficult time recovering from a slip.
• Light stairways and have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.

If you feel you already have a problem with your balance, talk to your doctor about physical therapy. In most cases you can retrain your balance system with the help of a licensed Physical Therapist. We at HPT would be glad to help!