Senior Safe-Avoiding Falls-Indoors and Outdoors

Avoiding Falls:

The majority of accidental falls are not job-related or involve situations of extreme danger. They occur in homes during everyday activities. Look for ways to reduce potentially hazardous situations. There are simple steps to keep yourself safe.

*1 out of 3 people aged 65 and older fall each year.

*Of those who fall, only half are able to return home to live independently.

*Half the falls could have been prevented.

Floors and Stairs:

*Install at least one long handrail on the staircase. Make sure it has a comfortable grip. Tighten any loosen fixtures.

*Secure carpet or stair runners that are not fasten down.

*Wear well-fitted shoes or slippers with non-slip soles.

*Paint steps with a rough textured paint or use non-slip strips.

*Avoid deep pile, dark colored or patterned carpeting that can make it difficult to see the step’s edges clearly.

*Avoid sharp changes in flooring levels such as from high carpet to low vinyl.

Bathroom Tips:

*Install a grip bar by the tub, shower stall and above the sink and toilet. Never brace yourself on a towel bar.

*Set water heater below 120F. A burn can be startling and cause a fall.

*Apply textured vinyl safety strips to the tub, shower or tile floors and use nonslip mats.

*Avoid scatter rugs! Tack down or tape, cut-to-fit carpet or rubber backed rugs.

*Use a long-handled scrubber for better balance when bending over.

*Use non slip bath and shower.

*Watch out for slick soap or water spills.

*Have a cordless telephone nearby for emergencies.

Ways to Avoid Falls:

*Use the highest allowable wattage bulbs in all light fixtures and lamps.

*Never walk into a dark room; all rooms should have a light switch or lamp by the door.

*Install night lights that lead from the bedroom to the bathroom.

*Have light switches at each end of stairs.

*Be able to reach a light switch or lamp from bed or a favorite chair. Have a flashlight nearby.

*Secure scatter rugs with double-sided tape or tacks, especially in the kitchen and bath.

*Run electrical cords against walls, never under rugs or across doorways.

*Only carry what you can safely.

*In bedrooms , eliminate scattered clothing, shoes and blankets or untucked sheets.

*Wipe up spills right away. Use detergent to cut greasy residue.

*Use a sturdy step stool with handrails to reach high cabinets. Long tongs help reach high items.

*Keep walkways clear of toys, magazines, newspapers and yard and garden equipment.

*Do not rearrange furniture; it will keep familiar patterns in place.

*Always wear your glasses.

*Use a cane with a rubber tip if balance is a problem.

*Avoid going out after a snow or ice storm. If you must, wear high-traction shoes.

Physical Change:

Mature Americans represent the fastest growing segment of our society today. In the near future, almost half of this country’s population will be over fifty.

As we age, our bodies change.This physical change is common, but as a result our bodies may become unsteady from physical conditions, medicines, illnesses and/or low blood sugar. To help avoid mishaps:

*Always take prescription drugs according to the instructions. Medicines such as antihistamines, sleeping pills and tranquilizers can cause dizziness.

*Have regular eye check-ups. Impaired sight can lead to unsteady walking.

*Monitor blood pressure. Report any dizziness to your doctor immediately.

*Get up slowly after eating, resting or lying down to avoid falls.

*Exercise to build strength and muscle tone and to keep joints, tendons and ligaments more flexible.

Impaired Mobility:

If you are having difficulty walking or moving around, consult a physician for an evaluation to determine the cause and possible treatment. Physical therapist and rehabilitation centers (Sports Medicine Centers) are trained to help people of all ages with different impairments, to regain mobility that has been comprised by illness, accident, injury or simply the aging process.

A Safe Fall?

The safest falls are those in which you:

*Allow your bod to go limp.

*Try to land on your side or buttocks.

*Roll to a natural stop.

In this way, your body avoids large joints of movement and receives fewer injuries. When you try to get up from a fall, roll over naturally, turn your head in the direction that you rolled and try to get up on your knees.

In case of a fall!

During a fall your muscles will naturally tense up.

*Stay calm. Never get up too quickly.

*Try to determine, if you are hurt.

*If you think you are hurt: DO NOT TRY TO GET UP! Call out for help. Use your emergency beeper, let someone help or dial 9-1-1.

*If you can, crawl to a stable piece of furniture such as a chair. Put both hands on the seat. Slowly pull yourself up, using the strength of your strongest knee. Keep the other knee on the floor for stability. Slowly turn around to sit in the chair. Each year over 7,000 seniors die as a result of falls.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from a National Child Safety Council pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please check out their website for more details.