According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for injuries related to falls each year. Not only can a fall lead to an injury, but the fear of falling can also impact quality of life.
When someone is at risk or afraid of falling, they may avoid doing activities they enjoy or even common everyday tasks. This can lead to social isolation and depression.
The good news? There are steps you can take to prevent falls.
Step 1: Check your home for safety hazards. These hazards may include:
- Lack of stair handrails
- Lack of bathroom grab bars
- Dim lighting or glare
- Obstacles and tripping hazards such as exposed extension cords and ragged loose rugs and carpet
- Slippery or uneven surfaces
If you have any of these in your home, be sure to address them. For example, make sure there isn’t any clutter on your floor(s) that you could trip over. Also, remove small rugs or secure them to the floor with tape, and use brighter light bulbs to help you see more clearly at night.
Step 2: Get regular exercise. This will increase your strength and improve your balance and coordination so you’re less likely to fall.
Step 3: Have your vision checked each year. And be sure to update your prescription as needed.
Step 4: Talk with your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you take multiple medications since their side effects may increase your risk of falling. They may also give you a fall risk assessment and prescribe an assistive device for you to use if needed.
This article was provided by HomeWell Care Services Delaware, which is franchised by HomeWell Franchising Inc.
An agency of one of the nation’s leading non-medical, in-home care providers, HomeWell Care Services Delaware provides compassionate, in-home personal care to help seniors and homebound adults remain safely in the comfort of wherever they call home. HomeWell’s levels of care range from companionship to more specialized non-medical care for advanced health conditions, with care plans customized for each client.
For more information about HomeWell Care Services Delaware, go to homewellcares.com/locations and visit the Georgetown or Smyrna website under Delaware.
