Six Ways to Help Prevent Falls
Did you know a senior falls every 13 seconds? There are numerous ways to prevent falls and make sure older adults are safe in their home.
Exercising can help with coordinating your balance and strengthens the body. Start out small with simple exercises like walking from heel to toe. Gradually move up to more difficult exercises such as standing on one leg or taking tai chi classes.
DuPage Senior Citizens Council offers Matter of Balance Classes that teaches exercises and how to prevent falls in the home. For more information, visit our Health & Wellness Education page.
Click below to view our Matter of Balance video.
Letting your doctor know that you have fallen can help prevent future falls. Your doctor can either adjust medications or run further tests that can lead to an explanation for falls. Don’t be afraid to talk about your falls.
Certain medication can increase your risk of falling. Discuss if you have fallen or your concern of falling with your doctor. Also voice that you would like to know if there are any side effects of dizziness or weakness that may be related to your medication. These side effects may increase the risk of falling.
Having regular hearing and vision checks can decrease the risk of falling.
Hearing loss generally does not increase falls but problems with the inner ear can be responsible for hearing loss and the vestibular system. These problems can lead to a decrease in balance. If you feel your hearing is affecting your balance, please consult an audiologist.
If vision loss is not corrected, it can lead to an increase in falls. You are more likely to trip or overstep and lose your balance. Annual or bi-annual eye exams can help you decrease the risk of falling. If you feel your vision is changing, please go see an optometrist.
Making sure your home is one of the easiest ways to prevent falls. Home safety includes:
- Decreasing clutter
- Repairing tripping hazards – no loose carpet, removing slippery surfaces
- Having brighter lights
- Wearing slip grip socks in the home
- Moving more carefully
- Installing grab bars
If you need help with making the home safer through small home fixes, feel free to check out our Minor Home Repair Service. Our service can assist with small in-home fixes such as
- Grab-bars
- Bath benches
- Transfer benches
- Hand-held showers
- Raised toilet seats
- Hand and stair railings
- Install non-skid strips on stairs
Our maintenance team offers small home repair services for our seniors for just $40 an hour. For more information, go to https://www.dupageseniorcouncil.org/minor-home-repair-service/
Telling your family that you have fallen plays a huge part in preventing falls. Too many seniors do not tell their loved ones they have fallen in fear they will be removed from their home. Your loved ones have your best interest in mind. Tell them you have fallen so they can help you prevent future falls.
These six steps can help prevent falls in your home. If you or a loved one needs more information on our services please visit us at https://www.dupageseniorcouncil.org/.
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