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Preventing Falls
By Connie Hinds, R.N.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 18 seconds an older adult is in the emergency room because of a fall. While you may not be able to totally prevent a fall, you can minimize your risk.
Talk with your physician and pharmacist about ways to reduce chances of falling.
Feeling dizzy or sleepy from medications can be minimized with dose changes or changing the time of day they are taken. Remember to follow up with the bone density scans and make an appointment to have your vision checked.
Exercises designed to increase strength, balance, and mobility have proven to reduce falls by as much as 25%. Engage in regular weight bearing exercise and include adequate calcium intake in your diet. Rise slowly from chairs, and wear supportive or non-slip footwear while inside and outside the home. Pay attention to how you get in and out of a car.
Become a detective and look for potential hazards in your home.
Add contrasting color strips to first and last steps to identify change of level. Ensure adequate lighting with nightlights or motion-sensitive lighting throughout the home. Ensure clear pathways. Remove clutter, slippery rugs and objects on the floor such as wires and cords. Make necessary repairs to steps and handrails. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Move kitchen supplies placed in areas that are dangerously inaccessible. Place visual prompts in the home near stairs or uneven floor surfaces to aid in vision deficits and night-vision issues. Ensure that the phone is easily accessible and that emergency phone numbers are within easy reach.
Evaluate your environment, both inside and out.
Keep safety issues uppermost in your mind. The repercussions of falls in terms of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence can be devastating. Our “golden years” are often filled with challenges, but with some advance planning, they can truly remain bright.
For additional information, call Connie Hinds, Director, Private Services, Bayada Nurses in Plymouth at 508-830-3904 or Bayada Skilled Nursing and Therapy at 508-830-0999 or visit www.bayada.com.
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