Fall Prevention: Small Tips to Prevent Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it’s important. We at Alma Health understand that as you get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely. Still, fear of falling doesn’t need to rule your life. Instead, consider six simple fall-prevention strategies.
1. Make an appointment with your doctor
Begin your fall-prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you fallen before?
- Could your health conditions cause a fall
2. Keep moving
Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your doctor’s OK, consider a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements
3.Wear sensible shoes
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall-prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. So can walking in your stocking feet. Instead wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles.
4. Remove home hazards
Take a look around your home. Your living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways may be filled with hazards. These include things such as boxes, cords, loose rugs or carpeting. Immediately clean up all spills and use nonslip mats in your bath or shower.
5. Light up your living space
Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see.
Also:
- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs.
- Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs.
- Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages
6. Use assistive devices
Your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example, handrails for both sides of a stairway and grab bars in your shower or tub.
Some solutions are easily installed and relatively inexpensive. Alma Health will conduct a complete health and safety risk assessment, assist with home modifications, and any additional housing needs to ensure you or your loved one is safe. If you’re concerned about the cost, remember that an investment in fall prevention is an investment in your independence.
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Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's important. We at Alma Health understand that as you get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider six simple fall-prevention strategies.
1. Make an appointment with your doctor
Begin your fall-prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you fallen before?
- Could your health conditions cause a fall
- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs.
- Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs.
- Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages