FALLS are the leading cause of death in older adults and that means learning how to avoid them is crucial to longevity.
Of equal importance is knowing how to get up if you do fall so you can call for help.
Falls are the most common reason older people are admitted to hospital or move to a nursing home.
As you get older, balance becomes difficult and your body becomes frailer making it harder to ‘bounce back up’ like you did when you were younger.
While the thought of falling and hurting yourself is worrying, the good news is most falls are preventable.
Make a list of your medications and ask your doctor to review them to make sure there are no side effects or interactions that increase your risk of falling.
Write down the details of previous falls like where you fell and how.
Think about instances where you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab hold of something just in time.
Let your doctor know because these details can help to identify specific fall prevention strategies.
There are eye and ear disorders that increase the risk of falls.
How comfortable are you when you walk and do you feel any dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath or numbness in your feet or legs?
You might need your muscle strength, balance and walking style evaluated by a health professional.
Most large chemist shops sell all kinds of health industry approved shoes because what you wear on your feet affects your balance.
Wearing the right footwear is important in fall prevention planning.
High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall.
Walking in stocking clad feet can be dangerous as well.
Wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles and remember, sensible shoes reduce joint pain too.
What is in your home that is a hazard?
Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.
Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape or remove them from the room.
Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach.
If you accidently spill liquids, grease or food, wipe it up immediately and use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower.
There are plenty of assistive devices available so consider your needs and which would help most.
Some devices are handrails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare wood steps, a raised toilet seat or one with armrests, grab bars for the shower or tub, a sturdy plastic seat for the shower or bathtub and a hand held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down.
If you fall you need to know how to get back up.
Ask your health provider for a referral for an occupational therapist who can help you with some strategies.
They can also teach you how to get up off the ground if no one is around to help you.
