Ever wonder why fall prevention is such a big deal?

Fall prevention becomes increasingly crucial as we age, especially for those 65 and above.  According to the CDC, an alarming average of 36 million falls occur each year among this age group, affecting a staggering 1 in 4 people. To ensure the well-being of both you and your loved ones, we are sharing some simple tips that can help reduce the risk of falls and promote safety at home. From optimizing lighting to maintaining clutter-free spaces, our expert advice offers a proactive approach to fall prevention. You will also learn the valuable role physical therapy can have in enhancing stability and balance, helping you or your loved ones regain confidence and independence.

Fall prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

Lighting

– Add a night light between your bed and the bathroom so you can see where you’re going if you have to get up in the middle of the night.
– Make sure stairs are well-lit in your home.
– Use light bulbs that have maximum wattage to provide good lighting.
– Use light switches that glow so you can find them at night.
– Keep a lamp or flashlight beside the bed in case you need to get up at night.

Clear the Clutter

– Make sure furniture is placed in a way that allows a clear path for walking.
– Remove items from all paths and walkways that may create a tripping hazard.
– Keep wires and cords out of walkways.
– Remove throw rugs or make sure they are taped around the edges to prevent slipping.

Stairs and Steps

– Keep stairs clutter-free.
– Use the handrail when going up or down the stairs.

Frequently Used Items

– Keep items that you use frequently in places that are easy to reach, where they are not too low and not too high, and don’t require leaning over or step stools to reach.

Bathrooms

– Use nonslip rugs or non-slip adhesive strips in places that may get wet or slippery.
– Consider installing grab bars around toilets and showers.
– An elevated toilet seat may be a good idea if you have difficulty getting up off the toilet or have balance issues.

Shoes

– Shoes can be a trip hazard if they do not fit properly.
– Make sure your shoes fit properly and have non-slip soles.
– Make sure shoes have a back or a strap around the heel. Shoes, like flip flops that don’t go around the back of the foot can cause a person to trip.

Assistive Devices

– If you are feeling unsteady, a cane or walker may help.
– To keep from having to lean over, a grabber tool could be a wise investment.

See a Physical Therapist

– A physical therapist can teach you hip, leg, and core exercises to help make you more stable, practice balance exercises, and come up with effective fall prevention strategies to practice in your home and community.
– At Sport & Spine, we are committed to helping those at a higher risk of falling. Call us today to schedule an evaluation if you feel you or a loved one are at risk for falling!

 

 

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to focus on fall prevention. Let the experts at Sport & Spine guide you through exercises that boost your mobility and balance. We can also help you evaluate potential risks at home and when you’re out and about.