How to Preventing Falls - A Guide for Seniors

PREVENTING
FALLS
A GUIDE FOR SENIORS

Falling is a serious matter
Of those one in three seniors who fall each year, only half tell their doctors. Furthermore, falling one
time doubles your chances of falling again.
From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
› Each year, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
› Over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury
or hip fracture.
› More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
› Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling again, and so cut down on their
everyday activities. That lack of activity causes weakness, which increases the risk of another fall.
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Read on to see
how YOU can
minimize the
risk of falling
Some important first steps
to take:
› Have an annual physical that includes an
evaluation for cardiac and blood pressure
problems. Have your bone density tested
to recognize signs for developing osteoporosis, too.
› Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are
taking, both prescription and non-prescription.
Some medications can cause you to become light-headed or
dizzy, and that can lead to falls. Also, as you age, medicines can affect you differently.
› Maintain a healthy diet with enough calcium and Vitamin D intake from both food and supplements.
Keep those bones and muscles healthy!
› Have your vision checked every year. If you are not seeing clearly, your balance may be affected and
you also are at risk of overlooking fall risks, such as objects in your way.
› Stay physically active. Check with your doctor to find out what exercise and physical
activity is best for you. Exercising enhances balance and coordination, and that will help
prevent falls.
› Check your shoes. Wearing footwear with non-slip soles that are not too thick helps you to maintain your
balance. There are many safe choices out there that are still fashionable, so you don’t have to forego
looking good!

Make your home a safe zone
There are many hidden risk factors at home that can cause a fall. Ask a loved one to go through your
home with you, searching each room or area for items that might pose a risk.
Kitchen
› Clean up spills immediately. Keep a roll of paper towels
handy.
› Store everything within easy reach. Do not stand on chairs
or boxes.
› If you must use a step-stool, make sure it has a grabrail
along the top.
› Remove all throw rugs and use are rugs that are held securely
in place with rubber backing.
Bathroom
› Make sure the bathroom is well-lit, and keep a night light on at all
times.
› Use a rubber mat or place nonslip adhesive tex-tured
strips inside the tub or shower.
› Use a rubber mat or rug with rubber backing next to
the tub or shower to get in and out safely.
› Install sturdy grab bars on the bathtub and show-er walls.
› Use a toilet with a raised seat and/or use armrests to help
stabilize yourself.
› Replace glass shower walls with non-shattering materials.

Bedroom and Living Areas
› Keep the rooms well-lit.
› Keep clutter off the floor.
› Arrange furniture so that you have a clear pathway as you
walk.
› Repair any loose flooring.
› Keep a flashlight by your bed and on a sofa’s end table in
case power goes out.
› Secure any area rugs with rubberized backing.
Additional Suggestions
› Keep stairs clear of clutter, boxes, etc.
› Make sure you have adequate lighting and handrails on both
sides of stairways.
› Hardwood steps should have non-slip treads applied.
› Put a bell on your small pets so you know when they are near
your feet.
› Don’t walk a large dog unless it is trained not to pull you when on
the leash.
› Install motion-detector lights so that they turn on when you step
outside at night.
Resources: Center for Disease Control & Prevention and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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