Helping Hands: Avoiding a Fall
By: Joe Parker
Updated: April 10, 2012
When we're a baby we can fall down, laugh it off and get back up and back to action. We know as we get older, that's not the case anymore.So the best thing we can do is avoid that fall altogether.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 35 to 40 per cent of older Americans fall at least once. In fact, falling is the leading cause of injury death for people over the age of 65. There are some ways to help avoid falls around the house.
First of all, remember that exercise doesn't just keep you healthy it improves your balance. Social Worker Pamela Sacco says talk with your healthcare provider about what exercise is right for you, and tells us, "Exercise is going to increase your balance, your coordination and your strength which in the end is going to prevent a fall."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 35 to 40 per cent of older Americans fall at least once. In fact, falling is the leading cause of injury death for people over the age of 65. There are some ways to help avoid falls around the house.
First of all, remember that exercise doesn't just keep you healthy it improves your balance. Social Worker Pamela Sacco says talk with your healthcare provider about what exercise is right for you, and tells us, "Exercise is going to increase your balance, your coordination and your strength which in the end is going to prevent a fall."
It's also important to check out your surroundings by making sure your walkways are clear. Make sure you don't have any cracks in the concrete. You also want to make sure you have railings next to your stairs for balance.
It's smart to check your lighting. Make sure you have overhead lighting, indoor and outdoor lighting and even night lights. Don't forget about the the place where many falls happen - the bathroom.
Ms. Sacco says, "You could put up grab bars in your bathroom next to your sink, in your shower. They have non-skid strips you could put on your shower floor which could help with your balance."
Remove things you may trip over like shopping bags, clothes or shoes from the stairs and places where you walk. Once you've put in the fall-preventive measures, pamela says it's time to take a look what you're wearing. Take a look at your footwear. Make sure you have good footwear with rubber soles. Make sure they fit properly."
Don't forget to get rid of throw rugs that don't have a non-slip grip, or use double-sided tape to secure the rug. And, if you think some of these things are too much of a challenge to tackle on your own, Pamela says there is help: "We do have companion service at Lutheran Care that can assist with these things. And, also just by contacting Lutheran Care we have an OT and PT department that can come in and do a home assessment for you.
