A Few Tips on Fall Prevention
Fall prevention is an important topic to consider as you get older. Physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider these six simple fall prevention strategies.
1. Make an appointment with your health care provider
Start by making an appointment with your health care provider. To assess your risk and discuss fall prevention strategies, your health care provider may want to talk about the following: Your medications, any previous falls and other health conditions.
2. Keep moving
Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. Consider activities such as walking, water workouts or yoga. These activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
The staff of Siena offers Fit For Life Balance and Strength class five days a week, Laughter Yoga, Cardio Drum Fun, Line Dance Aerobics and, Fabulous Fitness can also be found regularly on the programming calendar.
3. Wear sensible shoes
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. Walking in your stocking feet can also present danger. Instead, wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles.
Our community members love to stay active and more independent, that is why Siena offers a well-kept walking path behind our duplexes, we have also mapped out the hallways, so you can count your steps or how many miles you have walked based on laps around the community.
4. Remove home hazards
Take a look around your home for potential fall hazards. To make your home safer you should remove clutter, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways. Move coffee tables, and plant stands from high-traffic areas. Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from your home. Keep your flooring in good repair, use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower and use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering.
Having our housekeeping team clean your home bi-weekly at Siena is a safety measure in assisting you to assure your home at Siena is clear of these potential dangers.
5. Light up your living space
Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, and hallways. Place a lamp within reach of your bed in case you need to get up in the middle of the night.
At Siena, we are all too aware that as we age, our eyesight fails us. Our hallways and common spaces are brightly lit. Many of our apartment homes are equipped with special lighting features such as lighted bathroom mirrors, under counter lighting, and canister lights with dimmer switches throughout the homes.
6. Use assistive devices
Your health care provider might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example: Handrails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare-wood steps, a raised toilet seat or one with armrests, grab bars for the shower or tub.
If necessary, ask your health care provider for a referral to an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can help you brainstorm other fall prevention strategies. Some solutions are easily installed and relatively inexpensive. Others may require professional help or a larger investment.
If you're concerned about the cost, remember that an investment in fall prevention is an investment in your independence.
To join us for a Fall Prevention and Hydration Presentation at Siena on Brendenwood, please ask for Stacy and R.S.V.P. at 815-399-6167 or info@sienaonbrendenwood.org.
Fall Prevention & Hydration
Presented By: Visiting Angels of Rockford
Friday, June 23, 2023
11:00 am
4444 Brendenwood Road
Rockford, IL 61107
