Effective Fall Prevention Tips
Falls happen too often among older adults. More than one in four elderly people will fall at home, and many of these falls result in painful, life-altering injuries.
If you are 65 or older, or you have parents who live at home, it’s important to know how you can prevent in-home falls. Our AFC Urgent Care NC team provides some helpful fall prevention tips below, so keep reading!
Here’s what to do: Remove possible tripping hazards. Wires, boxes and loose rugs are some of the top tripping hazards, so keeping them tidy is one of the best ways to lower your fall risk. If you have rugs around the home, make sure they’re secure and don’t have turned corners or edges that you could trip on.
What to do next: Make sure your indoor space is well-lit. To create a space that’s more suitable for the elderly and for people of all ages, install brighter light bulbs where needed, particularly in stairways and narrow hallways.
What to do after: Install grab bars and handrails in appropriate places. These safety devices are especially useful in lowering fall risk, as they can help with safely going up and down stairs, getting on and off the toilet and stepping in and out of the bathtub.
Something else to do: Wear safe footwear. Floppy slippers and socks can increase your chances of slipping and falling. Instead, wear properly fitting shoes or sucks with rubber grips on the bottom.
Another prevention tip: Clean up spills right away. Any type of floor can be slippery and dangerous when wet! Keep a hand towel within easy reach to help you clean up spills easily and quickly.
One more thing: Watch for warning signs. Falls rarely happen without warning, so be on the lookout for things like unsteadiness, vision problems or medication side effects.
Action steps to take: The older you get, the more likely you are to fall. As you get into your senior years, talk with your doctor about your fall risk.
Doctor recommendations: Stay active! One of the best things you can do for your fall risk and for your overall health is to get adequate, regular exercise. Aim to be active for 150 minutes each week.
Our AFC Urgent Care NC centers are here for you now and always! Whether you need a check-up or an X-ray, we’ve got your back. Visit one of our locations today.