September 23rd was Fall Prevention Awareness Day (yes, it has a day!). Thought I’d post a reminder about how to avoid falls in the home. Especially if you are an older adult, falls can trigger many different issues, and fall related injuries and deaths are a significant health hazard for the 60+ generations
. I myself happen to fall down a lot, people that know me know that. My equilibrium is just a little off balance. My falls usually take place out biking or hiking, on stairs or sandy streets, places like that. But one night I did tumble out of bed, stand up, lost my balance and slammed my face into the wall. I actually got a black eye. And it was all because my feet got tangled up in the bed clothes.
My very vibrant and active 86 years young Aunt recently fell twice in one day, and had to be put in the hospital. She is now in Assisted Living, where she NEVER wanted to be. Why did she fall? She slipped on a throw rug next to the seat where she has her phone. Every one in the family had been telling her to get rid of the rugs. She has a slight case of Parkinson’s Disease, and now will need full time care at home IF she is able to return home. This is devastating news for the family and for our beloved Aunt.
You know that environmental hazards in and around the home can increase the risk for falls at all ages. The majority of falls for older adults occur inside or just outside the home. Addressing some of these risk factors can help prevent accidental falls:
› Poor lighting
› Uneven surfaces
› Stairways without railings
› Bathtubs and showers without grab bars
› Furniture that is too high or too low for an individual to get up from or on to safely
› Throw rugs that slide
› Cluttered pathways
› Loose carpeting
› Wet floors
› Icy or wet pavement outside the house
Just a few tips for you. Be Safe!
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This article has been republished in part or full from an Age in Place Professionals member's website. Read the orignal article at the author's website >>
About Jane Regan
