![]() ![]() * Keep clean pans on the stove or in a countertop rack instead of hanging or putting them in a cabinet. * Place a portable commode or a plastic urinal near your bed. * Use a dressing stick to pull on pants or skirts, take off socks, and reach hanging clothes. ![]() * Use a long-handled shoehorn to put on shoes without bending over. * Sit in a sturdy armchair to dress and undress. There are also motion detector versions that automatically light up as you approach the area. * Install a night-light to help you get to the bathroom safely. * Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape. * Mount grab bars with secure reinforcement at the toilet, bath, and shower walls. * Install adjustable height or hand-held showerhead. * Rinse all soap from tub / shower before getting out. * Put non-slip tape strips on steps, bathtub, and floors. Use non-slip rugs or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape. * Secure carpets to the floor and stairs. * Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely. * Replace thick carpets with dense, low-pile carpet or leave the floors uncovered. Replace high doorway thresholds between rooms with low, beveled ones, or remove them. * Store clothing, towels, and household items where you can safely reach them. Move newspapers, furniture, plants, and electrical cords out of traffic areas. * Wear an emergency call pendant or have “Alexa” in different rooms programmed to call for help when requested. * Keep a mobile telephone nearby in an easy to reach location. You can use a reacher to wipe up spills while seated or standing. * Use a reacher to retrieve items from the floor without bending over and from high shelves without using a footstool. ![]() * Use the arms of sturdy furniture when you sit down, reach, or stand up. * Take your time moving from a lying or sitting position to standing. * Wear pants and clothing that are properly hemmed and don’t drag on the ground. A lot of exercise and stretching can be done from or using a sturdy chair for balance. Exercise helps to prevent falls, especially activities that enhance balance and coordination. Some other general tips to reduce fall risk are: * Have your eyes and vision examined annually. ![]() Medications that most commonly cause blurred vision, dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, or difficulty thinking include: * Blood pressure lowering medications * Sleep aids and sedatives * Antidepressants and psychotropics * Anticonvulsants for epilepsy Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and walking steadiness. Medication side effects or taking a number of medications at the same time can also increase fall risk. It is a good idea to show a complete list of all medications, herbs, and remedies to your physician at each visit to help maintain safety and good health. Other risk factors include: * Dizziness * Foot problems like numbness, corns, bunions, ingrown nails, or ulcerations * Cataracts, glaucoma, depth perception and vision problems * Weak muscles or poor balance * Confusion or memory loss * Drinking too much alcohol * Vitamin D deficiency Health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart arrhythmias, dehydration, inner ear problems, vertigo, and urinary tract infection can increase a person’s chance of falling. You can implement these and other safety enhancements in your own home.Īs people age they experience physical and lifestyle changes that can also lead to falls. Minimum thresholds, walk-in showers, handrails, contrasting colors, low-pile flooring, and non-glare lighting are examples of some senior living building amenities that help to lower fall incidents. Senior living communities are a popular choice for people with a history of falling down because typically the building has design features to help reduce fall risk. Story by Joyce Clark, Executive Director – Saint Ann Retirement Center ![]()
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