According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries in individuals aged 65 and older.
Senior falls can be serious, leading to a head injury, broken bones, hospitalization, or death. A serious fall can limit mobility or lead to long-term disability. This can significantly impact a senior’s life and affect their ability to participate in their everyday activities.
At Terrabella Hillsborough, located in beautiful Hillsborough, NC, the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. Fall prevention strategies can reduce your fall risk and help you preserve your independence.
Here are some tips for senior fall risk reduction.
See Your Doctor
As you age, your risk of falling increases. It’s important for seniors to get regular checkups with their healthcare provider.
Your doctor can assess your risk of falling and help you or your loved one find ways to reduce this risk. Your doctor can recommend many options for senior safety in Hillsborough, NC, including:
- Balance training for seniors
- Physical therapy
- Assisted living mobility tips
- Fall prevention strategies
- Memory care safety
Annual vision and hearing screenings are important. Vision problems and inner ear issues, such as vertigo or dizziness, can contribute to slips, trips, and falls.
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any hearing or vision issues. These problems are often treatable, and receiving the proper care can reduce your risk of a serious fall.
Your Medications
Bring your medications or a list of your medications to your appointment. Your doctor will review them and evaluate whether they play a role in your risk of falling.
If certain medicines make you sleepy or dizzy, your doctor may change them or wean you off of them. Some medications, including blood pressure medicine, sedatives, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants, can increase your risk of falling.
Your Health History
Your doctor will consider your health history and your current health. Some physical conditions can increase the risk of falls for seniors.
Discuss your health and any issues you have with numbness, dizziness, joint pain, or shortness of breath. Your doctor will consider your muscle strength, gait, and balance to determine your risk of falling.
Keep Moving
Regular physical activity is essential at every age. As you age, it’s even more important to keep moving and find activities you enjoy doing.
Exercise that helps you build strength and improve your balance can reduce the risk of falling for older adults. Some fall risk reduction activities include:
- Yoga
- Walking
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Tai chi
- Light weightlifting
These activities can help reduce your risk of falling by improving balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
If you have trouble getting started, your doctor may recommend a personal trainer or physical therapist. They can personalize your physical activities to improve your balance and strengthen your muscles. Regular exercise is an excellent way to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
Remove Falling Hazards
Clutter in your home or apartment can contribute to your risk of falling. Take a look around your home. Do you have clutter, electrical cords, bulky furniture, or other obstacles in your pathway? Some ways you can reduce the risk of falling include:
- Moving furniture away from high-traffic areas
- Clear clutter, boxes, and electrical cords from walkways
- Remove throw rugs or secure them with double-sided tape
- Clean up spills right away
- Repair loose carpeting or floorboards
- Store food items, dishes, clothing, and other necessities within reach
- Use a nonslip mat in your bathtub or shower
- Use a bath chair for safety while you shower
Many seniors have years of clutter in their homes. They may need help sorting through it all. You can help your loved one sort through clutter and decide which items to throw away, keep, or sell. Fewer items in the home can make it a much safer space for a senior adult.
Brighten Your Home
Low lighting can be a fall hazard for seniors. A brightly lit space is easier to navigate. This helps seniors see where they are walking and what obstacles are in the way. Some assisted living mobility tips for fall prevention include:
- Keeping a lamp by the bed within easy reach
- Using night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Turning the light on before walking up or down the stairs
- Having a flashlight handy in case of a power outage
Wear Sensible Shoes
The shoes you wear around your home should fit comfortably and help you maintain balance. Slippers, socks, or flip flops can cause you to stumble as you walk.
Wear flat shoes that fit well and have non-skid soles. Sensible shoes can help you maintain your balance and even reduce joint and foot pain.
Use Assistive Devices
If you’re feeling unsteady as you walk, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a cane, walker, or other mobility device.
Assistive devices can help you avoid unnecessary falls. Some types of assistive devices include:
- Grab bar in the tub or shower
- Raised toilet seat
- Bath seat for stability while showering
- Handrails on both sides of the stairway
- Nonslip tread on stairs
If you’re having difficulty navigating your home safely, your doctor may want you to see an occupational therapist. They can help you identify hazards in your home and find ways to better navigate your environment. Implementing some fall prevention strategies is an investment in your safety, independence, and overall health.
The Value of Fall Prevention Strategies
Unfortunately, falling injuries are far too common in senior adults. Falls later in life are dangerous and can lead to serious injury, hospitalization, or death. That’s why fall prevention strategies are crucial for seniors.
Seeing your doctor, assessing your living space, and removing potential hazards are ways to reduce your chances of serious falls and injuries. If you or your loved one is considering a transition to a senior living community, Terrabella Hillsborough is a wonderful option.
You will love the senior-friendly social events, movies, guest lectures, fitness classes, daytime excursions, delicious dining, and so much more. Contact Terrabella Hillsborough today to learn more or schedule a tour.
