Fall Prevention for the Elderly

Remove Hazards That Cause Falls in the Home

or use caution around them

• 1I'd already removed most of the throw rugs in the house. Those are notorious for slipping underfoot or getting an edge flipped up for you to trip over.
  
  Throw rug by the TUB by SHARON SHARPE by sharonsharpe
  
• 2Don't leave clutter on the floor. I clip the newspapers, so I put a basket for those and my scissors under the side table. That way I won't accidentally step on the loose papers and go skating across the room.
  
  Vintage Newspaper and Spectacles by On_The_Case
  
• 3Be particularly careful if you have pets. Dogs and cats love to follow you around and to twine around your legs. You probably won't give them up, so just be careful.
  
  "The Blue Rug" - Sheltie & Cat by foxbrush
  

Change Your Behavior to Avoid a Fall

• 1When you get up from sleeping, sit for a minute on the edge of the bed. That lets you get oriented and more balanced when you stand.
• 2Don't leap up and dash for the phone. Keep a cordless phone at hand by your chair. Then you won't be breaking your neck just for a recorded sales pitch. If you don't have a cordless phone, take your time getting to the phone. They will leave a message or call back if it's important.
• 3When you carry things, be careful that they don't block your view of the floor.
• 4Don't stack things in normal walkways. Put things in a corner, a closet, or up on a chair. Don't walk around without turning on a light at night.
• 5If you use a laprobe to keep out the winter chill, be very careful not to get tangled in it. Totally unwrap it from your legs and put it aside.

Health Tips That Prevent Falls

• 1Know about any precautions you should take with your medicines. Does your blood pressure medicine make you a little woozy? Read over the paper the pharmacy gives you with the medicine. If you take more than one medicine, ask the doctor or the pharmacist to be sure they don't interfere with each other.
• 2Ask your doctor to do a balance assessment on you. They can do this at most health fairs too. If your balance needs improving, there are simple exercises you can do.
• 3If you are supposed to use a cane or a walker, don't be too proud and independent to use it. Remember, safety first.
• 4Have your eyes checked every year. Maybe you aren't seeing everything that you need to.
• 5Don't go too long without eating. Skipping regular meals can make you light-headed and apt to fall.