Fall Health Focus: Fall Prevention

Did you know that one out of three seniors will fall this year, but fewer than half of them will talk with their doctors about it? Falls are also the No. 1 cause of injuries in seniors, 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.

The first step in fall prevention is preparedness. By putting some safe guards in place, you are less likely to becoming a victim of a fall. Here are several suggestions to get you started:
Make 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? 

Keep moving: Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your doctor's OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements. Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
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. Sensible shoes may also reduce joint pain. 
Remove home hazards.
Take a look around your home. Your living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways may be filled with hazards. To make your home safer:

• Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.
• Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
• Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose 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 doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. Examples of assistive devices are:

• Hand rails 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 or tub — plus a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down

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The Smith Clinic would love to help and assist you in brainstorming other fall-prevention strategies. Some solutions are easily installed and relatively inexpensive. If you're concerned about the cost, remember that an investment in fall prevention is an investment in your independence. Call us today to learn more about fall prevention, as well as other topics to keep you safe and healthy in the months and years to come!