Fall prevention is a serious topic for everyone to consider as we age. Falls can have very real consequences as we get older. Year over year, over 25 percent of adults 65 or older have some type of fall. Physical changes and health conditions (among seniors) and even the medications used to treat those affected increase the likelihood of falling. To put this in perspective, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. However, living with the fear of falling does not have to be a constant thought.
There are quite a few strategies and actions to take to mitigate those concerns. Here’s how to start.
Make an appointment with your doctor or health care provider
Your healthcare provider will likely want to discuss your overall health to determine your risk of falling:
• Your medications. Make a list of all your medications that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications and supplements. Your health care provider can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. To assist with fall prevention, your health care provider may consider weaning you off of medications that make you tired or affect your thinking, such as sedatives, antihistamines, and antidepressants.
• Fall history. Write down when, where, and how you fell. Be prepared to talk about the instances when you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to self-correct to stay upright.
• Your health conditions. Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Be prepared to discuss your health conditions and how comfortable you are when you walk. Do you feel light-headed, dizzy, experience pain in your joints, shortness of breath, or numbness in your feet and legs when you walk? This will allow your healthcare provider to determine pain when you walk and assess your gait.
Wear the right type of footwear
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. If you are wearing any type of shoe with a small incline, floppy slippers, or shoes with slick soles, or stocking feet, your risk of falling increases. This type of footwear can make you slip, stumble, and fall. So can walking in your stocking feet. Instead, wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles. Sensible shoes also improve your chances of reducing joint pain.
Eliminate hazards in your home
Take a look around your home for potential fall hazards. Here are a number of ways to safety-proof your home.
• Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and phone cords from walkways.
• Move coffee tables and plant stands from areas that
• Secure throw rugs with double-sided tape, tacks, or a slip-resistant backing, or remove these rugs from your home.
• Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away.
• Store clothing, dishes, food, and other necessities within easy reach.
• Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease, or food.
• Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower. Use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering.
Use assistive devices
Your health care provider might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, as well.
• Handrails for both sides of stairways
• Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps
• A raised toilet seat or one with armrests
• Grab bars for the shower or tub
• A sturdy plastic seat for the shower
• A tub hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down in the shower/bath
Exercises to prevent falls
• While it’s not possible to completely prevent a fall, exercises that focus on balance and strength training can reduce the risk of falling.
• Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention
• With doctor approval, light exercise that promotes joint health can allow seniors to be safer while at the same time promoting the idea of extending their lives
• It is important to have someone else at home for supervision and to promote senior safety
To inquire about Attentive Care’s services, feel free to contact us at 856-516-6815 and at tmoore@attentivecareinc.com. Our website is www.attentivecareinc.com.
Regards,
Thad
Thad Moore
Business Development Manager