Falls Prevention Tips.
Falls are often a marker of frailty, immobility, and acute and chronic health impairment in older persons. Falls in turn diminish function by causing injury, activity limitations, fear of falling, and loss of mobility. Most injuries in the elderly are the result of falls; fractures of the hip, forearm, humerus, and pelvis usually result from the combined effect of falls and osteoporosis.
WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF 10 TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU REDUCE YOUR FALLS AT HOME
Tidy up around the house to prevent accidental trips from items on the floor, remove all clutter and keep walkways clear.
Ensure your bathroom and wet areas are non slip by using non slip mats in areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, wet outdoor areas, bath and shower if possible.
Ensure adequate lighting throughout the house. Not having proper lighting can lead to trips and falls so ensure that you have a bright bulb in your light sockets particularly around stairs and hallways.
Clothing is also a factor you need to pay attention to. Ensure clothing is properly hemmed and not too baggy so you don’t catch them on corners of furniture or trip over long skirts or dresses.
Repair and remove trip hazards, examine each room for possible hazards such as loose floor boards, slippery rugs, smooth slippery surfaces, uneven carpet etc.
Aim for singular level living if possible. While not possible with everyone, living on a single level will minimise the risk of falls. If you do live in a multi floor dwelling try to limit your use of the stairs
Be aware of your movement. Take your time getting up from your seat, moving from room to room, moving from lying to sitting, taking time to pause when about to use stairs or railings.
Install grab bars and handles around areas like bathrooms, showers, toilets.
Eat properly, ensuring that you are eating regular and nourishing meals to prevent malnutrition and feeling faint from not consuming enough calories.
Wear shoes not socks at home. While socks are comfortable they can be a slip and fall risk so when you’re at home try and wear comfortable non slip footwear or non slip socks if shoes are uncomfortable.