How to Prevent Seniors from Falling and Can’t Get Up

Just imagine being a senior who has fallen and can’t get up. As we age our balance becomes more unstable, our medicines can make us dizzy, and our eyesight gets worse making falls happen. There are steps and actions that we can take to help prevent falls. Many seniors live alone and therefore need to have an action plan to stay safe in their homes. Follow the steps below to help your loved ones prevent falls.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Exercise Daily
   Plan to exercise on a daily basis. Keep your muscles toned and strong. You can do exercises while you’re sitting and watching TV or join a fitness group.

2. Clear the Clutter
   Remove obstacles such as extra furniture, and area rugs that are easy to trip on. If you feel the need to keep your area rugs be sure to secure them with tape or padding. Store the items that you use daily in a place that you can easily reach. Never climb a ladder without someone else in the home to watch you.

3. Light Your Path
   Place lighting throughout your home to keep your paths well lit. Install automatic lighting systems in the rooms that you use frequently such as a hallway or bathroom. Well placed night lights will guide you to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Keep a flashlight on your night stand to use in case of a power outage.

4. Wear Proper Shoes
   A good walking shoe that offers you support and grip is your best choice. Chose a style that you will enjoy wearing on a daily basis and even when you dress up plan to have a shoe that will offer you support. Heels, flip flops, and loose slippers are dangerous to wear.

5. Take Your Medication in the Evening
   Plan to take your medication in the evening unless your prescription says that you must take it in the morning. Some of the medications that we take can make us sleepy which could result in a fall.

6. Get Your Vision Tested
   On a yearly basis have your vision tested and wear eyeglasses if prescribed. If your eyesight is poor be sure to have clear well lit paths throughout your home.

7. Create Easy Access to Your Phone
   Many seniors will fall because they are rushing to answer a phone. Place extension phones throughout your home for easy access, such as on your nightstand, in the bathroom, kitchen, and next to your favorite chair.

8. Use an Emergency Medical Alert Device
   To be on the safe side use an emergency medical alert device. This is a pendant that you can wear around your neck and in case you have fallen and can’t get up emergency help is just a push button away.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminate clutter and area rugs that are in your pathways.
• Use a walker or cane if you are unsteady on your feet.
• Take action now so that you do not have to say “Help, I have fallen and can’t get up.”

Resources

• Senior Living Tips & How To's
• More Senior Living Articles by Sharon Meier

[jaredsgirl]

on 10/5/2009 Great article for preventing Senior falls. Love the title as well! Very creative. Thanks for sharing. 5*