7 Ways to Prevent Falls

As we get older, we become more prone to falls. As our bodies age and begin to weaken we must take precautions to stay safe and prevent falls. Falling is a leading cause of injury in elderly.

If safety measures aren’t taken, seniors may suffer serious injuries and a loss of confidence. Even if you have medical alarms, you do not want to risk injuries that come from falls. To be as independent as possible, seniors should follow these tips to prevent falling to avoid injury and keep their confidence.

Stay Active

Seniors often shy away from activity because of fear of injury or falling. You cannot let the fear of falling rule your life. In addition to wearing medical alert bracelets, keeping your body as strong and active as possible you will gain confidence in your activity.

By staying active you can strengthen bones and muscles. If you are regularly exercising and moving your body, you will have better control over your body movement. A stronger and more controlled body can decrease your chances of falling.

Check Your Vision

You may not realize the impact vision has on fall, but they go hand-in-hand. As our bodies age, naturally our vision begins to deteriorate. If vision goes unchecked, balance can be affected by poor peripheral vision and depth perception.

Falls do not just happen because of weak muscles and bones. It is often poor vision that leads to bad judgment. As a general rule, eyes should be checked twice a year. Stay up-to-date on doctor’s appointments to prevent falls due to poor vision.

Rearrange the House

You don’t need to move every piece of furniture to ensure safety, but you may need to make a few adjustments to avoid unnecessary falls. When a new baby comes to your home, you make adjustments to the home – breakable items are moved to out of reach locations, special locks are placed on door handles and gates are even placed to keep them from off limit areas. The same type of thing must be done as you begin to age and become at risk to falling.

Home is the place we spend most of our time. It is important to make you home a safe haven. Rearrange furniture to create a better traffic flow in the home. Tack down rugs and put nonskid tape underneath to keep them in place. Your home also should be clear of clutter and mess. You shouldn’t have to dance around a mess to make your way to the bathroom. All hazards should be removed.

Use a Cane

If you are wobbly or a little shaky, a cane is a great remedy. Canes also give you a little extra assurance as you walk.

Many elderly avoid canes because they are embarrassed to use a cane and don’t like the stigma attached to a cane. Using a can is much better for your emotional wellbeing and personal self-image than having to stay home all day long because of fear of falling.

A cane is a great way to be able to participate in activities you may have otherwise felt nervous participating in.

Appropriate Footwear

It goes without saying that four-inch high-heels are not the best option if you have anxiety about falling. What you wear on your feet can have a big effect on your safety. Rubber sole shoes are non-slip. They grip to the ground better and can prevent slipping. Find shoes that you are comfortable wearing. Don’t wear shoes that are uncomfortable or that you are uncomfortable walking in.

In addition, many seniors spend a good amount of time at home. It may be comfortable to lounge in socks, but this is not the safest choice. If you have wood or tile floors, plain socks are a large instigator of slips.

If you don’t like to wear shoes in the house, going barefoot is safer than socks. Your feet will give you a better grip on the floor than socks.

Install Preventative Equipment

Being careful and cautious are important, but sometimes more serious measures must be taken. Installing special equipment into the home is often well worth the financial investment.

Make sure staircases have railings on both sides. Bathrooms are a place where falls often happen. Mount grab bars on both sides of the toilet. Grab bars can also be mounted on sides of the shower and bath.

Installation of preventative equipment allows for safe independent living. Seniors are able to use the bathroom and shower themselves when they have equipment to keep them safe. This equipment also offers peace of mind. The grab rails may not be used during every visit to the bathroom. However, they offer assurance and are available in case they are needed.

Have Appropriate Lighting

There is nothing worse for someone who is at risk for falling than a dark room. If visibility is limited, the likelihood of falling increases. Keep the home well lit. Add lamps in dark rooms. Open the blinds to let more light in through windows.

Power-interruption flashlights can be plugged into outlets in the home. In the event of a power outage, these flashlights will come on. This can keep seniors from having accidents during power outages.

While falling is common among elderly people, slight adjustments can greatly reduce the risk that a fall will occur. Taking small safety precautions can help you feel confident and ensure your independence while moving around your home.