A simple fall, especially for older people, can lead to serious complications. That’s why you must do everything that you can to prevent the likelihood of such an incident from happening. It’s something that you can’t take for granted given that more than one out of three older men and women fall each year.
Prevention is key, especially in your home, to avoid the risk of medical problems, injuries, and disability. Here are tips to reduce the risk of falling.
1. Stay Fit and Physically Active
The best way to prevent falling is to have a physically fit mind and body. Not only will you have a strong body, i.e. bones and muscles, to take a fall but if you keep your mind sharp then your reflexes will be good enough to prevent one.
Daily exercise will go a long way. Walk, jog, or join a yoga class as these activities hone the mind and body at the same time. We tend to get lazy and treat our bodies poorly as we grow older so we become frail.
Change that mindset and you’ll protect yourself from a lot of headaches, literally and figuratively, caused by a simple fall. Stay active!
Pro-tip, wear comfortable footwear if you’re prone to falling.
2. Clear Up the Clutter in Your Home
Another easy way to prevent falling incidents is to remove tripping hazards in your home. We bet that there’s a potential tripping hazard in almost every part of your home. The bathroom, kitchen, living room, and even in your bedroom.
Extension cords, toys, spilled liquid, rugs, and loose wooden boards are just a few examples of tripping hazards. Immediately wipe dry anything spilled on the floor, replace loose rugs with non-slip mats, neatly tuck away loose cords, and fix loose boards ASAP. These simple preventative measures will go a long way and are way more cost-effective than the alternative.
Pro-tip, get ample lighting in your home.
3. Get Your Overall Health Checked
If you are fully aware of your overall health situation then preventative measures may be better imposed to lower if not eliminate the risk of falling incidents. Get yourself checked. Get your senses checked, especially your sight and hearing, as they facilitate your movements.
Tell your doctor about any medication you’re taking or get input into whether you have a medical condition that makes you prone to falling. A good rundown of any falling history would also be a good idea.
4. Secure Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are sometimes recommended to help prevent falling incidents. Employ a cane or walker, or install railings and grab bars, for certain parts of your home to make your daily life more convenient and safe.
Consultations help in determining what you need.
It’s Time for a Medical Alert System
These preventative measures help save a lot of lives but the preparation shouldn’t stop there. If all else fails then you’re going to need the help of a medical alert system. Know when your loved ones need urgent attention instantaneously and immediately summon emergency assistance.
A medical alert system is invaluable in times of emergencies, like falling incidents. Contact Vital-Link for medical alert systems in Colorado and other areas like our medical alert systems in Kansas.
