How to Reduce the Risk of a Serious Fall
Studies have consistently shown that addressing the following four areas are the most successful ways to reduce your risk of falling:
- • Exercise
- • Review of your current medications
- • Have your vision checked
- • Home safety initiatives
Exercise:
• You are never too old to begin an exercise program
- • Your exercise program should include strengthening, flexibility,
- coordination, and balance exercises
- • Talk to your health care provider and/or physical therapist about the most
- appropriate exercise program for you
- • Always consult your health care provider before beginning an exercise
- program
Review of your current medications:
• Because certain medications have side effects such as dizziness,
- confusion, and low blood pressures, these medications can increase
- your risk of falling
- • Because many people see a variety of physicians (neurologist,
- cardiologist, internal medicine physician) it is wise to talk to each of them
- directly about the types of medications you're taking and the dosages
- • Make sure you know what your medication is for and when they should be
- taken
- • If you have poor vision, ask the pharmacist for large print labels
Have your vision checked regularly:
- • Problems with vision have been shown to increase risk of falls
- • Make sure that you have your vision checked at least annually
- • Optimizing vision will allow you to see obstacles and read medication
- labels
- • If you notice any changes in your vision, consult your physician
- immediately
Home safety initiatives:
- Bathroom
- • Install grab bars and non-skid strips or non-slip mat in the tub/shower
- • Use a raised toilet or install handrails around toilet
- Stairs
- • Install handrails on both sides
- • Keep object or items off the stairs to avoid tripping on them
- Carpeting
- • Remove or use double-sided tape to secure slippery rugs to the floor
- Shelves and Cabinets
- • Move frequently used items to shelves that are easily reached
- • If you use a step stool, make sure it is steady and has a bracing bar to
- hold onto
- • Pick up clutter and move furniture to avoid tripping and allow for wide
- passageways
- Lighting
- • Install brighter lights and light switches as both ends of stairways and
- passageways
- • Install many night lights in the hallway that leads to the bathroom
- Proper footwear and clothing
- • Avoid loose or open-backed slippers, sandals, or high-heels
- • Choose thin-soled or flat shoes
- • Avoid walking in socks or tights on slippery floors
- • Regularly check the length of your pants, dresses or night wear
- • Avoid long, trailing night wear (especially on stairs or when getting up
- from a chair or bed)
- • Shorten ties or cords on dresses or robes.
This information was provided by Julie Whalen, Physical Therapist at Marianjoy, specializing in balance and dizziness issues.
Fore more information on Marianjoy's Balance and Vestibular Program,
call (630) 909-7150. |
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