It is inevitable that at some point in our lifetime we will experience a fall. It is important that one takes the necessary precautions in order to prevent and reduce the severity of one’s fall. By incorporating these following precautions into one’s life, one can greatly reduce the number of falls endured throughout their lifespan.

• Make an appointment with your doctor. External medical factors like medications or pre-existing health conditions could influence your chances of falling. Some medications may have side effects like drowsiness that can put you at a predisposition for falling. Preexisting conditions like joint pain or numbness can also put one at an inclination of falling. Dr. Pierre, an optometrist with the Forest County Potawatomi, advises individuals ages 60 and over to have routine eye exams yearly. Ensuring one’s eye prescription is accurate can aid in reducing their chances of falling.
• Stay active. A light physical activity can help reduce one’s risk of falling by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
• Wear proper footwear. What shoe you wear can play a huge role in reducing the chances of falling. It is imperative that one stay clear of shoes like high heels, floppy slippers, and shoes with slick soles in order to reduce falls. Wearing properly fitted non-skid shoes will aid in preventing unnecessary falls from happening.
• Remove clutter and other hazards from one’s home. Ensure no loose boxes, electrical cords, or clothes cover one’s floor. If loose rugs are present within your home, secure those rugs by using tacks or tape. Remove coffee tables or other small furniture away from high traffic areas in order to prevent unnecessary falls.
• Keep your home well-lit. Individuals commonly fall for the blatant reason of just not being able to see. Position additional lights near one’s bed to aid in any middle-of-the-night needs that may arise. By placing additional lights in the home, one is providing an environment that is easier to navigate any hazards present.
• Install assistive devices in one’s home. Installing hand rails and nonslip tread throughout the home will provide a safer environment for the resident. The highest rate of falls occur in the bathroom. One way to prevent this is to install grab bars for the shower and/or tub and a raised toilet with armrests.

For more information on preventing falls in your home, contact Leah Littleton, CHR, at 715-478-4381 or visit our CH website at cmh.fcpotawatomi.com.

Work Cited

“Fall Prevention: Simple Tips to Prevent Falls.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 04 February 2014. Web. 28 July 2016.