3 Tips and Tricks to Prevent Falls

By: Rebecca Sargeant

Falls can happen quickly and unexpectedly. They can result in bruised pride, or something much worse like a broken hip. According to STEADI (the Center for Disease Control’s Older Adult Fall Prevention program), one in four older adults reported falling. In 2015, 28,000 older adults died from the consequences of a fall. The risk of falling increases as a person ages, however there are three key ways to decrease your chances of falling:

  1. Take simple steps to make your home safer.
  • Remove throw rugs.
  • Have good lighting, especially from the bedroom to the bathroom.
  • Keep floors and stairs free of clutter (e.g. papers, books, shoes).
  • Install sturdy handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathtub or by the toilet
  • Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub.
  • For additional ideas, look through this home safety checklist.

2. Talk to your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor if you have fallen or feel unsteady when you walk.
  • Ask your doctor to review your medications. Some medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy as a side effect.
  • Inquire about taking a vitamin D supplement to help your bone health.
  • Ask your doctor to check your feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes and are at risk for diabetic neuropathy. Being able to feel the floor with your feet helps you to keep your balance.
  • Keep your eyeglasses and contact prescriptions up to date. Your eye doctor can also screen for conditions like glaucoma or cataracts that decrease your ability to see and can make your balance worse.

3. Make balance and strength exercises a part of your daily routine.

  • Add in regular exercise like a daily walk, tai chi, or strength training.
  • If you are not sure where to start, ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. Physical therapists are trained movement specialists who are experts at identifying why you feel off balance and building a balance and strength exercise program just for you. For more information, watch this short video below.

Modifying your home set-up or talking with your doctor are simple steps, but can pay off big time by preventing a hip fracture or other injury and length hospital stay. A regular exercise routine takes determination to start, but will help you be more mobile, less likely to fall, and more healthy.

As we age, fall prevention becomes more and more important. Our balance isn’t as great, our reaction times are slowed and our bodies just don’t recover like they used to. Learn more about how our Active Aging program can help you prevent a fall!

Take these three steps to allow you to stay active and participate in hobbies you enjoy without worrying about falling. To schedule an evaluation with one of our experts on fall prevention, visit our website or call (804) 764-1000.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.