Tips for Falls Prevention

Jewish Home Lifecare offers Preventive Measures to reduce the Chance of Unintentional Falls during any season!

A slip and fall is a threat to the lives, independence and health of elders. Every 18 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall. Every 35 minutes an elder dies as a result of their injuries.

Jewish Home Lifecare, a healthcare nonprofit that has been meeting the needs of New York’s elders for 160 years, recognizes that falling is a serious matter. Susan Holodak, MS, director of our Adult Day Health Care program recommends taking these precautions to reduce the chances of falling:

Start a regular exercise program.

Following an exercise regimen is one of the most significant ways to reduce the chances of falling. It strengthens your body and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most beneficial.

• Lack of physical activity leads to weakness and increases the chances of falling.
• Talk to your doctor or health care expert about the best type of exercise program tailored to your abilities and needs.

Create a safer home environment.

Nearly 50% of all falls happen at home. Make your home safer with simple changes:

• Take away things you can trip over (such as books, papers, clothes, pet toys and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
• Small throw rugs should be removed or secured with double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.
• Reduce stepstool usage by making frequently used items more accessible.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Make sure the lighting in your home is adequate. As we age, brighter lights are necessary to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs will help diminish glare.
• Night time paths from the bedroom to the toilet should be kept clear and lit.
• All staircases should have handrails and ample lighting.
• Wear shoes that provide adequate support with non-slip soles. Wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads should be avoided.
• Use walking aids which provide stability.

Ask your physician to review your medicines.

Your doctor or pharmacist should examine all the medicines you take (prescription drugs as well as non-prescription items such as cold medicines). Some medicines work differently as one ages and the body changes. Certain prescriptions, or combinations of medicines, might make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.

Check your vision.

Have your eyes examined by an eye doctor. Your corrective prescription may have changed and you could be wearing the wrong glasses. Conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts limit your vision. Poor vision can add to your chances of falling.