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Falls Prevention

This entry was posted in General September 25, 2017

Elderly people are exposed to many risks both inside and outside their own home. One of the leading causes of injury, especially during the dampest and coldest months, is falls. The 22nd of September is internationally recognised as ‘Fall Prevention Awareness Day’ to raise awareness of how critical falls can be. In honor of this day, and in preparation for the arrival of Autumn and Winter, have a look at our fall prevention checklist and start preventing your falls in and out of the house.

Make your home safer

In order to avoid falls, it is important to remove or reduce all hazards from your home. Start by reducing clutter: avoid having a lot of furniture and loose items around your home, especially in corridors and small spaces. Try to wear non-slip slippers and avoid using long trousers or clothes that are likely to lead to dangerous falls.

Research has found most falls are caused by the presence of loose rugs and carpets around the house. Make sure you remove all rugs to avoid slipping on them. Check if your carpet is in good condition, especially in those areas of the house where the dangers are higher, like stairs.

Stairs should always be clearly marked to make steps evident and banisters should be checked regularly. It might also be a good idea to invest in a stairlift and bright lights to make everyday life much easier.

Bathrooms should always take centre stage when making one’s home safer, as they can easily be seen as the most dangerous room in the house. Make sure you always pay extra attention to the way you get in and out of the bath or shower and that your bathroom is equipped with slip resistant mats and grab rails.

Be careful outside the house

As autumn and winter approach, it is important to be extra mindful of falls, as wet and frozen surfaces make them more and more likely. Check your walking stick, frame or crutches and their ferrule (the rubber cap at the end of the stick) are working as they should. At Ableworld we offer free ferrule safety checks: simply walk in any of our stores and ask one of our staff to have a look.

Strength and balance training

While it is very common for over 65’s to suffer from falls, strength, stability and balance training can help you avoid them. Doing regular strength, balance and stability exercises doesn’t have to be hard: walking, dancing or practicing activities such as Tai Chi can make a massive difference in your ability to balance your body and avoid falls. Exercise is also a great way to strengthen the immune system, which can be weaker at this time of the year. Consult your GP about activities in your area and start getting stronger this season.

Medical examination

If you experience falls very often, even after following our tips, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor to check your eyesight and general health. If you are taking medications and these have not been reviewed in more than a year, book an appointment with your doctor and talk to them about your balance concerns.

While anyone can suffer an injury from falls, elderly people are much more vulnerable and likely to get long-lasting injuries following one. Most falls don’t result in serious problems, however, many could lead to long-term issues that can and should be avoided. Follow our advice to lead an active and safe fall-free lifestyle.

 

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