7 Senior Fall Prevention Tips

Old age makes you more vulnerable to accidents like falls, which can lead to severe injuries. In fact, it is so common that 33% of the senior population visited the emergency room last year due to fall incidents.

Worse, it can happen anywhere, whether you are at the mall, in a senior living in Clinton Township, and even in your own home. Prevent this from happening to you by following these seven senior fall prevention tips.

1. Address Your Medical Condition

One of the most common causes of fall accidents in seniors is their medical condition. For example, the back pain that’s been bugging you, impaired vision, or joint pain due to arthritis. Consult your doctor to receive a treatment plan so you can lessen your risk of incurring a fall accident.

1. Check Your Medications

Medicines like antidepressants, sedatives, and some allergy meds can affect your mobility and mental state. Some of their side effects (e.g., drowsiness, sleepiness, nausea) can increase your risk of falling, so it would be best to know what medications you are on.

You can talk with your doctor and allow them to explain what medicines are a risk factor for fall accidents.

1. Get Active

Exercising regularly allows you to overcome age-related physical limitations like weak muscles and bones, resulting in falls. Further, regular physical activity improves your strength, balance, and flexibility.

1. Wear Sensible Clothes and Shoes

Unfortunately, your clothing choices can also increase your risk of accidentally falling down the stairs or slipping on the floor.

So, avoid wearing extremely loose garments that you might accidentally step on or get caught in doorways. Also, you should opt for sensible shoes instead of loose-fitting and slippery ones.

1. Eliminate Fall Hazards at Home

Your own apartment at your senior living in Clinton Township may be filled with fall hazards that you are not aware of. Fall-proof your house by doing the following:

• Keep the place clean and organized. Avoid placing a lot of things in areas that you usually occupy.

• Keep any electrical cords away from the walkway.

• Have someone repair loose floorboards and stairs right away.

• Use non-slip mats and carpets.

1. Adjust the Lighting

Whether you have vision problems or not, it’s crucial to have good lighting inside your home. Make sure that it’s neither too dark nor too bright. Place curtains or shades to let in the right amount of sunlight every morning. Make sure that rooms don’t become too bright as this can result in light-headedness.

1. Install Assistive Devices

Besides removing fall hazards in your home, it would be good to install assistive and safety devices if you are a fall risk senior. Some of the things you can consider adding include:

• Handrails on stairs and grab bars throughout the home.

• Raised toilet seat, grab bars, and non-slip mats in the bathroom.

• Hand-held shower.

• Sensor-activated lights and reaching aid devices

• Wearable alarm systems to alert your caregiver or family member in case you fall.

Seniors with limited mobility should use walking aids, such as a cane or walker, for better balance and support.