PREVENTING FALLS

Many older adults fall in their home and become injured or disabled. Falls can happen anywhere, indoors or out. Falls can injure anyone, but they can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Because the bones become more brittle with age, they break more easily. Hip fractures are the most common injury and cause of death from falls in older persons.

Important tips to reduce your risk of falling:

increase the lighting in your home, inside and out
have an eye exam each year to screen for problems such as cataracts and glaucoma that may limit your vision (If you need glasses to see properly, make sure you wear them. Never wear someone else's glasses.)
use nonskid treads on staircases
use a cane or walker if your balance is unsteady
install rails in bathtubs and next to toilets and staircases
use nonskid strips and a shower chair in the bathtub or shower
get rid of any throw rugs
clear hallways and other pathways of wastepaper baskets, footstools, or any other small objects
keep carpets in good repair; use low pile, wall-to-wall carpets, or tile wherever possible
wash floors with a non-slippery product and do not use wax
wear shoes with nonskid soles
limit your alcohol consumption
review all of your medicines (prescription and non-prescription) with your healthcare provider (As a person ages, medicines can change the way they work in the body. Medication side effects and interactions can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can lead to falls.)
follow a regular exercise program approved by your healthcare provider to improve strength, balance, and coordination
never climb a ladder by yourself and
be especially careful if you have pets that might trip you or push you down even when playing

Good lighting is the most important of all of these. Lighting should be bright and evenly distributed. Use low glare bulbs. Make sure all stairways have lights that can be turned on from the top of the steps as well as at the bottom of the stairs. Never go down dark stairs. Keep flashlights with good batteries in them in several areas for emergencies.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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