Fall Prevention From Friends at Aurora

One out of three seniors will fall this year, but less than half will tell family or physicians. Falls are the number one cause of injuries in older adults, resulting in hip fractures, cuts, and even serious head and brain injuries that can be fatal. And even when there’s no serious injury, a fall can still be so frightening that seniors may avoid certain activities because they’re afraid they’ll fall again.
We're not saying that you need to completely remodel your home or downsize to prevent falls. but you can make your home safe from falls with just a few basic changes. Here are just a few ways:

1. Clean up clutter. Keep your home neat and tidy. Remove all clutter, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines. If you're not able to do it yourself, enlist the help of a housekeeper or adult child. 
2. Avoid tripping hazards. Sometimes home fixtures can contribute to falls, which can then lead to back pain and other injuries. Examine every room and hallway, looking for items such as loose carpet, slippery throw rugs, or wood floorboards that stick up. Then repair, remove, or replace those items for more effective fall prevention.
3. Install assistive devices. These safety devices are crucial for going up and down stairs, getting on and off the toilet, and stepping in and out of the bathtub without injuring yourself. Have a handyman or family member help with this.
4. Take the loose clothing out of closet. We all want to feel comfortable at home, but baggy clothes can sometimes make you more likely to fall. Find better-fitting and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t drag on the ground.
5. Light up the house. Don't worry about those electric bills, falling is a bigger deal. Install brighter light bulbs where needed, usually in stairways and narrow hallways. You could also add night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better guidance at night.
6. Wear shoes. We all know socks are more comfy, but they are more of a slipping risk. Preventing falls at home can be as simple as wearing shoes. You can also purchase non-slip socks that have grips on the soles of the feet if shoes are too uncomfortable.
7. Get nonslip. Bathtubs and showers, as well as floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and porches, can become extremely dangerous when wet. To prevent falls on slick surfaces, we recommend nonslip mats.
8. One level. Even with precautions like guardrails, stairs can present a significant falling hazard. If it’s not possible to live on one level, try to limit the trips you take up and down the stairs.
9. Move more carefully. Many people fall at home by moving too quickly from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa. Preventing falls like this is as easy as taking your time. All you have to do is pause after going from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing. Also take a pause before using the railing on stairs, whether going up or down.
10. Therapy and exercise. We lose muscle mass more and more as we age and it's important that we are exercising daily in whatever capacity we are capable. See also if you are able to get an order for in patient or out patient therapy like we have here at Aurora on France.
    For more information about Fall Prevention or to schedule a visit to Aurora on France, CONTACT US TODAY!