Falling is a serious and common problem among older adults, and it can often lead to significant life changing injuries. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 older adults experience a fall each year. The good news is that many falls can be prevented by understanding the risks and taking a few simple steps.
Our team of physical therapists at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center are here with some helpful tips to increase awareness around falls and injury prevention.
- An assistive device is your best friend. Always keep it with you and make sure you are using it properly. Avoid reach for unstable furniture, countertops, or other surfaces for balance because they can give way when you need them most.
- Electrical cords and wires can cause trips if left across walkways or are loose on the floor. Use clips to manage excess length, secure cords to walls and keep them out of walking paths to reduce fall risk.
- Between movement transitions, such as going from lying down to sitting and sitting to standing, it is important to monitor yourself to know if you’re dizzy or lightheaded. Make sure you’re not lightheaded or dizzy before moving on.
- Make sure your environment is well lit. This includes hallways, rooms of your house, and outside your house. This is especially important when getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
The National Council on Aging has helpful online resources for falls prevention and education, including tips for home modifications, fall risk screenings, and access to evidence-based fall prevention programs, and much more. You can access their resources online at ncoa.org.
You can also check out your local YMCA or senior center for in-person balance training and falls prevention classes or visit www.aging.nj.gov for assistance in finding a program in your community.