MARCH/APRIL 2016
Reduce the Risk of
Life-Altering Falls
Take precautions in the shower, on
stairs, in the kitchen
by Lisa M. Petsche, Staff Writer
One in three seniors experiences a fall each year, according
to the National Center for Injury
Prevention and Control. While
taking a spill may mainly hurt
people’s pride in their younger
years, falls are the primary cause
of injury and hospitalization for
older adults. Half of those injured
do not regain their former level of
independence. Even more sobering, falls are one of the top 10
causes of death for people aged
65-plus.
The majority of seniors’ falls
take place at home during everyday activities. Most often they occur in the bathroom, bedroom or
a stairwell. Follow the tips below
to help preserve your physical
functioning, well-being and independence or that of someone for
whom you’re providing care.
remembering to take medications.
• Stay physically active and
exercise regularly to help with
posture, flexibility, muscle
strength, bone mass, cardiac health and overall fitness.
There are many types of exercises that can be done from a
seated position if necessary.
SAFETY
In addition to health- and agerelated changes, hazardous conditions in the home environment
are a major cause of falls resulting
in hospitalization. Here are some
ways to reduce these hazards for
yourself or a loved one:
• In Stairwells: Ensure steps are
in good repair and have a nonskid surface. Keep them free
of clutter. Have solid handrails
installed on both sides of
stairways and ensure adequate
lighting.
• In the Kitchen: Keep regularly
used pots, dishes, staple foods
and other supplies within easy
reach. Ensure the heaviest
items are stored in the lower
cupboards. If you must reach
high places, get a step stool that
has a high handrail and rubber
tips.
• In the Bathroom: Have grab
bars professionally installed by
the toilet and in the bathtub
or shower area. Use a rubber
mat in the tub or shower and a
non-skid bath mat on the floor.
Consider getting a raised toilet
seat, a bathtub seat or shower
chair and a hand-held shower
attachment.
GENERAL TIPS
• Get regular medical checkups,
including vision and hearing
tests.
• Take medications as prescribed. Fill all prescriptions at
one pharmacy.
• Ask the pharmacist about available aids for organizing and
If you are caring for someone
at a high risk for falls, inquire
about bed and chair alarms
that alert you when the care
receiver attempts to get up.
• Consider using a cane or
walker if balance is an ongoing
problem. It’s important to be
fitted with the appropriate type
of aid and receive instruction
on how to properly use it.
• Arrange for a home assessment
by an occupational therapist if
you would like more information about identifying potential safety hazards and successfully addressing them.
• Wear slippers or shoes that fit
snugly, offer good support and
have a non-skid sole.
• Ensure throw rugs and scatter
mats have a non-skid backing.
Better yet, remove them.
• Keep walkways clear of electri- ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa M. Petsche is a medical socal and telephone cords.
cial worker and a freelance writer
• Clear up clutter in rooms and
specializing in boomer and senior
hallways.
health matters. She has personal
• Use nightlights in the bedand professional experience with
room, hallways and bathroom.
elder care.
Get the kind that have a
built-in sensor that automatically turns the light on in dim
conditions. Also get plug-in,
rechargeable flashlights that
automatically come on when
the power goes out.
• Sign on with a personal
emergency response service,
whereby you wear a lightweight, waterproof pendant or
bracelet that has a button to
press if you run into trouble
and need help. Studies have
shown getting help quickly
after a fall reduces the risk of
hospitalization and death.
• Visit a medical supply store
and check out the many products available, such as reachers
and electric-lift armchairs, that
can make dailyHerbal
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PHYSICAL HEALTH
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Falls are the
primary cause
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hospitalization
for older adults.
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