Each year, thousands of older Americans experience falls that result in serious injuries, disability and, even, death. At least half of all falls happen at home and are often due to hazards that are easily overlooked.
The following Self-Assessment can help you check for risk factors. The more factors checked, the higher the risk for falling.
•History of Falling- Two or more falls in last six months
•Vision Loss- Changes in ability to detect and discriminate objects; decline in depth perception, decreased ability to recover from a sudden exposure to bright light or glare
•Hearing Loss- Limited awareness of potentially hazardous situations
•Foot Pain/Shoe Problems- Foot pain, decreased sensation/feeling, skin breakdown, ill-fitting or badly worn footwear.
•Medications- Four+ medications, single or multiple medications that may cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure.
•Balance and Gait Problems- Decline in balance or speed of walking, weakness of lower extremities.
•Blood Pressure- High or low can cause unsteadiness.
•Hazards Inside The Home- Poor lighting, bathroom safety, spills, stairs, reaching, pets that get under foot.
•Hazards Outside The Home- Uneven walkways, poor lighting, gravel or debris on sidewalks, no handrails, pets that get underfoot, hazardous material (snow, ice, water, oil)
Here are a few safety tips:
• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone.
• Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up.
• Wear shoes tat give good support and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
• Remove things you can trip over (papers, books, clothes and shoes)
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.
• Keep traffic patterns clear of furniture.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Be aware of where your pets are at all times.
• Do not walk over or around cords or wires ( i.e. cords from lamps, extension cords or telephone cords.) Coil or tape cords and wires. Have an electrician add more outlets if needed.
• Keep items used often within easy reach (about waist high) in cabinets
• Use a steady step stool with a hand bar. .
• Improve the lighting in your home. Replace burned out bulbs. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
• Make sure stairways, halls, entrances and outside steps are well lit. Have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Place a lamp, flashlight and extra batteries within easy reach of your bed.
• Place night-lights in bathrooms, halls and passageways so you can see where you are walking at night.
• Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step. Paint a contrasting color on the top front edge of all steps so you can see the stairs better.
• Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Handrails should be on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs. Fix loose or uneven steps.
• Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Use an elevated toilet seat and/or shower stool if needed.
• Exercise regularly.
• Have your nurse, doctor or pharmacist look at all the medications as well as regularly used over-the-counter medicines.
• Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. .
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
• Use a cane or assistive device for extra stability, if needed.
• Consider wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can’t get up.
Courtesy: VNA California 1-855-VNA-CA11 or VNACalifornia.org