A support group leader in Florida just sent me his notes from a presentation by an occupational therapist.  She made some sensible safety recommendations that I had not heard before, so I’m passing them along to you:

1. Increase the lumens of light bulbs around the house, especially in the bathroom, kitchen and stairways, three frequent locations for falls.
2. Despite the need for better light, glare from overhead lighting or a window can impair visual performance.  So, use window treatments to diffuse direct sunlight, use shades on bare bulbs and consider multiple task lighting units in strategic locations instead of a single, bright fixture.
3. Use night lights controlled by a motion sensor.  These are available with battery power, so that they can be placed anywhere.
4. If you don’t have carpet on your stairway, attach a tread with a reflective strip on each step and different-appearing ones on the top and bottom landings. 
5. Some walkers are available with floor lighting.
6. To ease the task of locating food on the plate, use plates that contrast with that specific meal’s food.
7. Remove loose rugs from bathroom floors.  To avoid slipping on wet spots, try stiff, rubber mats that stick to the floor.
8. Grab bars in and around the shower/tub and toilet are an obvious thing, but make sure they’re installed into studs. 
9. Use grab bars with suction cups in temporary situations such as travel. 
10. Toilet safety rails that rest on the floor allow safer landings onto the seat and easier liftoffs, especially if paired with a seat riser.
11. A bidet is a good idea if you have trouble wiping.  Many models can be installed in a few minutes (according to the manufacturer) by someone with no plumbing skills.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list – just a few things that I had not seen or written about before.  Www.curepsp.org has lots more advice on optimizing daily activities, including pamphlets and videos.

I also hasten to add that no list of tips is a substitute for a consultation with an occupational therapist with follow-ups as your symptoms evolve over time.  If you can’t find one and your doctor doesn’t know one, just call the OT department in your nearest good hospital for recommendations.