It’s common knowledge that falls are a dangerous risk for our elderly. They are the leading cause of injury for Americans ages 65 and older. In Florida, the CDC reports that in 2020 nearly 25% of all elderly residents fell at least once. That’s over one million seniors! Deaths from falls amounted to nearly 3,500 elderly Floridians in that same year.
As with other injuries and diseases, it’s safe to say that prevention is the best medicine. So, how can you help your senior better avoid dangerous falls? There are a few effective steps you can take to minimize the risk:
• Wear the right shoes. This is a great first step to fall prevention. Seniors should avoid high heels, floppy soles or soles that use slick materials. These kinds of shoes can cause slips and trips anywhere they are worn. Instead, opt for well fitting shoes with sturdy soles that use nonskid materials. Flat shoes are always better than any kind of heel.
• Keep active and moving. Activities that build strength, agility and balance are the best way to stay active and prevent falls. Exercise that involves slow and graceful movements, such as yoga, water aerobics and walking, are gentle on older joints and also develop coordination and flexibility.
• Make your home safer. It is time to take an inventory of your home and assess its safety as you age. Loose rugs or floor boards that are warped and sticking up are sure signs of a fall to come, and so are those dishes and cleaning supplies that you have to reach up for to grab. Consider repairing or removing anything that might make you trip or skid, and using only lower cabinets for the stored items you use on a daily basis.
• Light it up. Now is the time to start lighting up the living space for safe movement throughout it. You don’t need to blow your utility budget to do this: consider small plug-in night lights to light a hallway or enclosed space. Use motion detected lighting that will turn off when you leave the area. Place small flashlights throughout your home that are in easy reach for power outages or even dark nights.
• Give in to assistive devices. Ensure there are railings on both sides of the staircase. Install a raised toilet seat and grab bars in the shower. Add decorative non-slip treads for stairs that lack carpeting.
Prevention is not a guarantee but certainly helps reduce the chance of a life-altering fall. If your loved one needs time to recoup from an injury suffered from a fall but still has some mobility, BrightStar Care can provide assistance for as long as you need the help.
As with other injuries and diseases, it’s safe to say that prevention is the best medicine. So, how can you help your senior better avoid dangerous falls? There are a few effective steps you can take to minimize the risk:
• Wear the right shoes. This is a great first step to fall prevention. Seniors should avoid high heels, floppy soles or soles that use slick materials. These kinds of shoes can cause slips and trips anywhere they are worn. Instead, opt for well fitting shoes with sturdy soles that use nonskid materials. Flat shoes are always better than any kind of heel.
• Keep active and moving. Activities that build strength, agility and balance are the best way to stay active and prevent falls. Exercise that involves slow and graceful movements, such as yoga, water aerobics and walking, are gentle on older joints and also develop coordination and flexibility.
• Make your home safer. It is time to take an inventory of your home and assess its safety as you age. Loose rugs or floor boards that are warped and sticking up are sure signs of a fall to come, and so are those dishes and cleaning supplies that you have to reach up for to grab. Consider repairing or removing anything that might make you trip or skid, and using only lower cabinets for the stored items you use on a daily basis.
• Light it up. Now is the time to start lighting up the living space for safe movement throughout it. You don’t need to blow your utility budget to do this: consider small plug-in night lights to light a hallway or enclosed space. Use motion detected lighting that will turn off when you leave the area. Place small flashlights throughout your home that are in easy reach for power outages or even dark nights.
• Give in to assistive devices. Ensure there are railings on both sides of the staircase. Install a raised toilet seat and grab bars in the shower. Add decorative non-slip treads for stairs that lack carpeting.
Prevention is not a guarantee but certainly helps reduce the chance of a life-altering fall. If your loved one needs time to recoup from an injury suffered from a fall but still has some mobility, BrightStar Care can provide assistance for as long as you need the help.