Prepare your home or assist a loved one today by following these fall-proofing recommendations, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Taking a fall at home can be a frightening and life-changing experience, especially for the elderly and those living alone.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the home, especially for older adults. Most falls can be avoided by using the following tips: 1. Make your home safe. 2. Take your medication. Be sure to take medications as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. 3. Stay active.
Contact your local community or senior center for information on exercise, fall prevention programs, or options for improving home safety. Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home. Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs? the stairs. Are some steps broken or uneven? Fix loose or uneven steps.
• Help patients understand their own unique fall risk. • Educate patients on their modifiable risk factors and corresponding fall prevention strategies. • Emphasize that fall prevention can help them remain independent. • Discuss with patients which strategies they might be willing to do.
With the help of an occupational therapist, older adults can take steps to reduce fall risk and safely increase their involvement in activities they value. An occupational therapist can help by recommending: (Barney & Perkinson, 2016) • Improving behavior to change daily activities. • Modifying your home environment.
Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Have your healthcare provider review your medicines. Exercise to improve your balance and strength. Have your eyes and feet checked. Make your home safer. 1 Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks & prevention.
There are many simple things you can do to help prevent falls and to make your home safer. Use this handout to find and fix fall hazards in specific areas of your home. If the entrance to your home has a porch or stairs, add at least 2 handrails – ideally 1 on each side of the steps.
What can I do to keep from falling and stay independent? I’m going to refer you to a specialist who can help you improve your vision, balance, and optimize your medications. • One in four older adults (age 65+) falls every year. • Many patients who have fallen do not talk about it. • Have you fallen in the past year?
unique fall risk. • Educate patients on their modifiable risk factors and corresponding fall prevention strategies. • Emphasize that fall prevention can help them remain independent. • Discuss with patients which strategies they might be willing to do. • Work with patients and caregivers to develop a plan for fall prevention.
It only takes a split second to fall, but here are some tips to help you from falling. Check your traction: wear boots and shoes with a good grip. Consider using an anti-slip shoe traction device or ice cleats on your shoes. Even though you have these devices on, you still need to avoid icy and slippery surfaces.