Tips to Help Prevent a Fall

Did you know that 1 in 4 older adults will fall this year?  And that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall?  Let’s help improve those statistics by implementing some of these fall prevention tips from Magruder Lake Erie Sports Medicine.

ADD MORE LIGHTS & MAKE THEM BRIGHTER

• Check for adequate lighting in and around your home: entrances, halls, doorways, walkways, rooms and stairways (with switches at the top and bottom).
• Use the maximum wattage light bulb allowed for each fixture in your home. 

INSTALL HANDRAILS & GRAB BARS

• Install handrails on both sides of every stairway.
• Install grab bars in your tub/shower, and next to your toilet.

MOVE, REMOVE OR SECURE ANYTHING THAT COULD CAUSE A SLIP OR FALL

• Move or remove clutter, electrical cords and furniture from walkways.
• Remove throw rugs or double tape them to floors.  Use non-slip rugs.
• Install non-slip strips on floors and/or steps. 
• Keep high traffic areas free of obstacles, especially the path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
• Do not store things on the stairs, even temporarily.

PLACE FREQUENTLY USED AND HEAVY  ITEMS WITHIN EASY REACH

• Move items that are used on a daily basis to bottom cabinets or lower shelves.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Avoid rushing.
• Have emergency numbers handy near your bed and by all phones.
• Ensure pathways, decks and stairs are in good repair with railings and good traction.
• Only use ladders on dry, hard, flat surfaces and keep your body weight centered.
• Check with your provider about taking calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
• Ask your healthcare provider if any medications you are taking put you at risk for falling.
• Make an appointment to get your eyes checked at least once a year after the age of 65.
• Try tai-chi, a strength building, balance exercise that has been shown to reduce the risk of falling.