Preventing
Falls Among Seniors
What YOU Can Do to Prevent Falls
Falls are not
just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls
are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these
things, you can lower your chances of falling.
You can reduce
your chances of falling by following these tips:
1. Begin a regular
exercise program.
Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of
falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises
that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful.
Lack of exercise
leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.
Ask your doctor
or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for
you.
2. Make your
home safer.
About
half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:
- Remove things
you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from
stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small
throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items
you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step
stool.
- Have grab bars
put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip
mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the
lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights
to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
- Have handrails
and lights put in on all staircases.
- Wear shoes
that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing
slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
3. Have your
health care provider review your medicines.
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take
(including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines).
As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change.
Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy
or light-headed which can lead to a fall.
4. Have your
vision checked.
Have your eyes
checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or
have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.
Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
