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

Top Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief

Sciatica refers to pain along the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back through the hips and legs. It’s often caused by nerve compression or irritation and may involve aching, sharp pain, numbness, or tingling. Learn how simple stretches, strengthening exercises, and low-impact cardio can help ease discomfort and support long-term relief.

5 Exercises for Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a common overuse injury in runners. It leads to pain around or behind the kneecap, which becomes exacerbated with movement. Runner’s knee can be felt not only while running, but also when squatting, jumping, or going up or down stairs. Learn common causes and 5 exercises that can help runner’s knee.

Sleep Well, Live Well!

It is no secret that a full night of quality sleep is important for the day ahead; however, did you know that sleep represents a critical period of recovery and can have an effect on your perception of pain, cardiovascular health, and ability to heal? Learn tips to improve your sleep habits and enhance healing, reduce pain, and boost your overall health and well-being.

Staying Busy When You’re Bored: Getting Out Into the Community

As we age, staying engaged and finding new hobbies can be challenging, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Boredom, loneliness, and stress often stem from a lack of connection, and getting involved in the community can be a powerful remedy. Whether you want to give back, explore new interests, meet people, or learn something new, there are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to stay active and connected.

Pelvic Floor Exercises You Can Do At Home

If you have suffered from a pelvic floor dysfunction, then a pelvic floor exercise routine, commonly referred to as Kegel exercises, might be what you need to help strengthen these muscles.

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.