Fall Prevention: Staying Safe Indoors And Outdoors

Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors 65 and older. Still, the number of falls expected among this age group is much higher as many seniors don’t report their falls or injuries.

Falling is not a natural part of aging, and many falls can be prevented if you take the proper precautions.

The Dangers Of Falls

Falling might not seem like a big deal, but as you get older, your body can become more fragile, leading to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications after a fall. Common dangers of falls include:

• Bruising: Most falls will result in bruising. Bruising alone is often not a serious concern, but the size and intensity of the bruise can be painful and may limit mobility depending on the placement.
• Concussions: A concussion can happen if you hit your head when you fall. Concussions are brain injuries that are dangerous at any age, but especially for older adults because they have a higher risk for brain bleeds.
• Broken or fractured bones: Bones weaken with age, making breaks and fractures a common injury with falls. These injuries are painful and have long recovery times, which can make it hard to care for yourself.
• Reduced confidence: Falling causes more than physical injuries. It can result in losing confidence or fear of moving freely around your home.

At-Home Fall Prevention

Falls can happen anywhere, but they’re most common at home. Thankfully, you can make many small changes at home to reduce the risk of falling and keep yourself safe.

• Clear clutter: Remove clutter from the floor, especially around doorways and walkways, to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Non-slip mats: Get non-slip mats for your kitchen and bathroom to keep them from moving when you walk on them. You can also put non-slip grips on your rugs throughout the rest of the house.
• Grab bars: Install grab bars around the toilet and near the shower to help you move more freely around your bathroom.
• Handrails: Put secure handrails along your stairs to help you navigate going up and down.
• Motion-sensor lights: Place lights in your hallways and most used rooms so you can see where you’re walking at night.
• Shower chairs: Buy a shower chair to use while bathing to reduce the risk of falling in the shower.

Outdoor Fall Prevention

You can’t control the conditions outside your home, but there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe from falls when you venture outside.

• Walking devices: Use canes or walkers outside to help you keep your balance while walking.
• Sturdy shoes: When walking, wear secure shoes. Your shoes should fit snugly around your foot and have a back around your heel to prevent tripping.
• Companions: Walking with friends makes being out more fun and supports you in case something happens.

What To Do If You Fall

Falling can be a scary experience. If you do have a fall, it’s best to have a fall plan that includes the following:

• Stay calm: It’s natural to feel varying emotions after a fall, from fear to panic, but do your best to stay calm. Take a few moments to regulate your breathing and center yourself before trying to do anything.
• Assess if you’re hurt: You may not feel the pain from a fall right away. Give yourself a few moments to assess if you’re hurt. If you’re hurt and unable to move, call for help.
• Move slowly: If you’re not hurt and feel okay to move, do so slowly. Start by getting yourself to a sitting position, then use nearby furniture, such as a couch, to help get yourself up.
• See a doctor immediately: Even if you feel okay, contacting your doctor immediately is important. There are injuries, such as concussions or minor fractures, that may not present symptoms right away but can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Fall Prevention With Visiting Angels

At Visiting Angels, we understand the challenges seniors face as they age. We address these challenges with our Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Program. Our goal is to empower seniors to live their years to the fullest while remaining in the comfort of their homes.

Contact our Grand Junction office to learn more about our fall prevention program.