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It's Fall Prevention Week and we are all about PREVENTION! When we recommend home modifications we are usually choosing that recommendation because it will decrease the risk of a fall. Prevention is so important because the domino effect of occurrences after a fall can be life-threatening!
8 Key Tips for Preventing a Fall
These are simple tips that are easy to manage and can make a huge difference in decreasing the risk for a fall. Prevention is key because the statistics say more than 40% of people hospitalized from hip fractures do not return home and are not capable of living independently again!
1. Proper medication management - over or under-dosing for many medications can cause dizziness or lightheadedness which can lead to a fall.
2. Increase daily activity levels to improve balance over time.
3. Put proper handholds in places where the wall or a piece of furniture is touched often. Install grab bars or leave a cane in that place so there is always something safe to hold on to.
4. Remove throw rugs, cords, and other items that come across the walking area that can be tripped on - even if they have been there for 20 years!
5. Plugin nightlights on the path from the bedroom to the bathroom to prevent a fall at night.
7. Put non-slip mat or treads on the bottom of the tub or shower.
8. Just in case a fall does happen it's great to have a medical alert device so help can be contacted right away. Check out this link for some comparisons on the great ones that are available. https://www.consumersadvocate.org/medical-alerts
Wondering how safe a client or a loved one's home is? Schedule a free home assessment and we'll help figure out what are the best things to be done to prevent a fall.
Myths about Falls
Many people say falling is a normal part of aging however, this is not true. Learning why you many falls can help you prevent a future fall. Also, exercises and working on your balance through fitness will decrease your risk of falls. Some people believe using a walker or cane can help make you dependent. However, the reverse is true a walker or cane can increase your independence and also prevent a fall instead. Learn More
Come Learn from One of Our Own
Our Founding Director is teaching an online Low Vision Course. Come learn for a certified low vision specialist on ways to help your loved ones and clients. If you are a clinician you can earn 3 CEUs for attending this course. Sign up by September 12th for the class. The class is on Sept 14th from 8:30-11:30.
Looking for more details?
Check out this blog post for more details room by room on ways to decrease fall risk.