I have a good friend who recently had a bad fall. "That won't happen to me", I thought. Then last week I went to a very challenging balance routine at my gym. I was hopeless! Everyone fell over, including me. And my Mom fell easily before she passed away recently at the age of 96. Now I'm more aware than ever of the importance of falls prevention. It seems like a good time for this important post on staying safe at home. Thank you to guest blogger Victoria Sanders!
While
your home is supposed to be a place where you feel safe, that’s not a reality
for a lot of seniors. Over 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year for
fall injuries, and older adults are at a greater risk of both falling and
suffering severe health consequences. This makes fall prevention a paramount concern—here are some
things you can do in your loved one’s home right away.
1.
Watch out for fall hazards. In many cases, certain items like throw rugs or
floorboards that stick up are easy to trip on. Make sure that you change out
some of these items as soon as you can, and replace them with non-slip
alternatives.
2.
Make strategic safety additions. Adding something like a grab bar
around the staircase or in the bathroom can help minimize the chance of
falling in some of the most common areas of the house.
3.
Keep the space clean. Even with all these preemptive measures, a cluttered home
is still very easy to have a fall in. If you don’t have the means to keep up
with this, consider enlisting a relative or friend or even paying a
cleaning service to get rid of the clutter.
4. See
your eye doctor. Vision issues play a major role in many cases, and you may
need a new prescription for eyesight as you get older.
5.
Stay aware of new developments. Chances are that you’re reading this article
because you or a loved one is at an increased risk of falling, and you want to
do everything possible to keep the seniors in your life safe. One of the best
things you can do is nurse that instinct. Many different tech
and care industry resources are available, updated with the latest
information for you to learn from.
6. Watch outdoor
areas. Your porch or yard can be common places to fall, so make sure they are
well-lit and smooth.
7.
Take a look at your medications. It’s not uncommon for medication combinations
to lead to people feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Your doctor will help you make
any necessary changes to help with physical stability.
8.
Check your footwear. You may have that favourite pair of slippers or socks, but
if you’re going to be walking around a lot, it’s best to leave those to the
side. The footwear least likely to lead to a fall are low-heeled shoes with
non-slip soles.
9. Be
sure to stay active and eat well. Both of these help
your body maintain healthy muscle tone, which is essential for keeping the
balance, strength, and coordination you need to minimize the risk of falls.
10.
Think beyond preventing falls. Despite your best efforts, even using the
insight on this list, there’s always a potential chance that falls can happen.
One of the best things you can do in these scenarios is to make sure you have
a medical alert system or similar device in
your home. Modern advancements mean these are easy to use, and even
had added functions like motion detection.
With
these tips and a little extra work, you can do a lot towards preventing falls
in your home and creating peace of mind for both you and your
loved ones.
Victoria Sanders is a full-time caregiver for her 96-year-old father who has suffered both a heart attack and a stroke. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys cooking for her family, gardening and spending time with her husband and their dog.
PS: HERE IS a great Senior Physical Activity Guide that can also help your loved (and you) stay safe and strong!
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