How to Prevent Falls at Home

Yesterday I took a tumble at home and really gave my leg a whack. Fortunately it wasn't broken, but it sure hurts. Falls can happen to anyone, but when you're older, it gets more dangerous. I'd taken some precautions, but here are a variety of things you can do to avoid falling at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   I'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.

2. When 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.

3. 

   Don'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.

4. Don'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.

5. 

   When you carry things, be careful that they don't block your view of the floor. Don't stack things in normal walkways. Put things in a corner, a closet, or up on a chair.

6. If 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.

7. 

   Know 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.

8. 

   Ask 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. See the link below for those.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are supposed to use a cane or a walker, don't be too proud and independent to use it. Remember, safety first.
• Have your eyes checked every year. Maybe you aren't seeing everything that you need to.
• Be particularly careful if you have pets. Dogs and cats love to follow you around.
• Don't go too long without eating. Skipping regular meals can make you light-headed and apt to fall.
• Don't lock the bathroom door. If you have a fall in there, no one can get in to help you.

Resources

• Exercises to improve balance

[Alrady]

on 9/13/2009 I thought i had commented on this before but see I didnt'. This is one of my fav articles by you. It is amazing how many people fall and hurt themselves each year. A simple fall by my aunt resulted in 2 or 3 surgeries and a year of therapy.

You have a good article here THANKS

[motherNN]

on 2/8/2009 Scary when our elderly neighbors or family members fall. Broken hips can mean the nursing home. Sound advice here! Take care, so glad you didn't break anything! We need you!!

[georgelarson]

on 1/2/2009 Very good advice that can be used by many. Thanks.

[jamaclassics]

on 1/1/2009 I trip over paperclips.

[Quickstar]

on 1/1/2009 This is good advice for anyone, including a parent that has one child hanging off one arm one on the back and one straight in the walking path. 5*