Getting old comes with many challenges. Our bones and muscles weaken, and we face many more health issues than before. Unfortunately, this is a fact of life, and there’s not much we can do about it. But what’s more concerning is that these challenges also make us more prone to falls. According to the statistics, some of the most common home injuries are caused by falls. These injuries can include broken bones, but in severe cases, they can also cause head injuries that can be fatal. Therefore, fall prevention should be a top priority as you get older. But don’t worry. There are many measures you can take to stay safe. Just take a look at these fall prevention tips for older adults.
No. 1 One of the most efficient fall prevention tips for older adults is to get regular checkups
Let’s face it. Everyone dreads going to the doctor. However, you shouldn’t wait until something is wrong to make an appointment. As previously mentioned, older adults face many more health issues than younger people. Therefore, going for regular checkups is key. Moreover, some medical conditions can increase the risk of falls. That’s why detecting and treating these conditions is crucial in preventing falls.
These health issues include lack of clear vision, inner year balance disorders, foot problems, and chronic disorders. However, it’s not just the medical conditions that can make you more prone to falls but also the medication you take. Certain medications can make you feel weak, dizzy, and confused. Therefore, you should consult your doctor if you notice any side effects.
As a senior, you must visit your doctor regularly for checkups.
No. 2 Stay active
Many seniors avoid physical activity out of fear of injury. Nevertheless, staying active is one of the best fall prevention tips for older adults. That helps strengthen your muscles and improve your mobility, coordination, and balance. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should start lifting weights and doing high-impact exercises. These are indeed dangerous for seniors. However, you can practice walking, stretching, and water aerobics.
One of the most efficient fall prevention tips for older adults is to stay active.
No. 3 Pay attention to what you wear
Analyze your options carefully when you go shopping for clothes and shoes. Nobody’s saying you can’t be stylish as a senior, just that you have to think about your safety when buying something. For instance, it’s time to ditch the stilettos for flats or other comfortable and non-slip footwear if you want to prevent falls. At the same time, you should avoid loose clothing because you can trip on it or get caught in door handles and cause accidents.
No. 4 Declutter your home
Since falls are one of the most common causes of home injuries, you should focus on making your home safe. The first thing you should do is declutter your home. When you have a lot of stuff lying around, it’s easy to trip on it and fall. So, it’s time to make some room. You can throw away useless or damaged items, and you can donate anything that is in good condition.
Furthermore, creating clear paths throughout your home is essential as it is vital to facilitate movement. That means you should eliminate or reduce the number of bulky pieces of furniture. If they are valuable and you want your kids to have them one day, then you can rent storage to keep them safe until the time comes. In any case, the consultants from thegentlemanmover.com advise you to hire movers to deal with all the heavy lifting and transport. Because if you try to do it yourself, you risk getting injured.
Prevent falls inside your home by decluttering the place.
No. 5 Make your floors safe
Slippery floors represent one of the most common causes of slips and falls. And this doesn’t just apply to older adults. That is why making your floors safe should be a top priority. The most obvious recommendation here is to clean up any spills immediately. But there are other measures you can take as well. For example, you can invest in non-slip mats for the bathroom and kitchen. In what concerns any other rugs in the house, make sure you secure them using slip-resistant backing or double-faced tape.
Apart from slippery floors, you should also identify and remove any tripping hazards. For instance, you should repair loose floorboards and hide away all cords and cables. In the latter case, you can use cord covers. You can run them through the wall or hook them to the back of your furnishings. You’ll be safe if they are not lying on the floor.
No. 6 Install grab bars and railings
Installing grab bars and railings all over your home is an excellent solution for preventing falls. Nevertheless, they are most useful in the bathroom. After all, most falls happen in the bathroom because of all the wet surfaces. Therefore, you should install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower cabin. When it comes to railings, they are essential if your home has one or two levels.
No. 7 Prepare for the worst
No matter how many fall prevention measures you take, sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. Therefore, you should prepare for the worst-case scenario as well. Firstly, you should invest in a medical alert system with fall detection. Because in case of a bad fall, these devices can save your life by sending help immediately.
Secondly, you should consider the importance of having a will. Yes, falls can sometimes be fatal, and while nobody wants to consider it, it’s still a possibility. Therefore, you should draft a will to make things easier for your family when the time comes.
Final thoughts
Getting old is not easy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy life. You just need to be a bit more careful. As a senior, you are more prone to accidents because of various physical or medical conditions. And falls are one of the most common causes of injuries. Use these fall prevention tips for older adults to stay safe. Of course, accidents can still happen, but at least you’ll reduce the risks.
Personal Injury Attorneys Central Kentucky – Mattingly, Simms, Robinson & McCain is focused on helping you receive the financial compensation you need and deserve after a serious accident or injury or the tragic loss of a loved one. We understand the complexities of personal injury cases. Our attention to detail and our sensitivity to our clients’ immediate and future needs are what drive us to get the most out of their medical and financial recovery. Visit our website at https://msrmlaw.com/
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