Preventing Falls and Injuries
Taking care of yourself
Did you know?
o A fall could be a life-altering event.
o Nearly 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older fall each year.
o Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults.
Individuals of all ages fall and there are many reasons why.
o Changes in vision and hearing can affect your balance, make you less stable and increase your chance of falling.
o Side effects of medications could make you drowsy, light-headed or dizzy.
Taking care of yourself can decrease your chance of falling.
o Make certain to get regular exercise, which could improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and keep you strong. Make certain to pick exercises or activities that develop balance and coordination.
o Talk with your main care provider and team pharmacist about your medications and their side effects regarding balance and coordination.
o Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
o Consider using a cane or walker to help you feel steadier.
o Be careful on or avoid uneven and icy or wet surfaces.
o Wear footwear that have good support, have low heels and have a rubber-sole or thin non-slip sole. Avoid wearing only socks.
o Hold onto handrails when going up and down the stairs.
o Limit drinking alcoholic beverages. They can slow your reflexes and change your sense of balance.
o Don’t take chances – for instance, walking on a freshly washed floor or standing on a chair to reach items.
Make certain to take care of yourself.
You can lower your chance of a fall and injury.
Taking care of your environment
Taking care of your home environment can decrease your chance from falling.
o Be certain to keep stairs and pathways clean and free from clutter.
o Remove papers, books, clothes, footwear and other items that may cause you to trip.
o Tack down telephone wires and electrical cords.
o Consider installing ‘grab bars’ next to toilets, showers and tubs.
o Place non-slip mats in the tub and on the shower floor.
o Secure area rugs with double sided tape.
o Make sure to put no-slip strips on wood and tile floors.
o Do away with small throw rugs.
o Be sure to put items used most often where you can reach them without using a stepstool.
o Make certain to keep staircases and entranceways well lit.
o Securely mount handrails on both sides of all staircases.
o Improve lighting.
• Make certain to use nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom.
• Turn lights on if you get up during the night.
o Arrange furniture so that paths are clear when you walk. Avoid rearranging.
o During summer months, keep your home cool with air conditioning or a fan. Heat could make you dizzy.
Be certain to take care of your surroundings. You can lower your chance of a fall and injury.