Slip, and falls are some of the most serious accidents with the elderly. In most cases, these accidents can result in broken bones and death in some cases. The cost of treatment can be high, and it can take a long time for the injury to heal. According to various studies, more than a third of the seniors aging 55 years above fall each year.
Among the places where most of the falls usually happen is in the bathroom, stairs, and slippery environment, among others. However, there are several things that you can do to avoid most of the fall accidents and keep safe. Here are some senior fall prevention tips:
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Stay Active
One of the reasons why senior citizens are prone to falls is a weak body and imbalance. The main cause of a weak body is usually a sedentary lifestyle that most elderly live, especially after retirement. Therefore, you need to staying active to maintain and improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. The most recommended exercises for the elderly include dancing, Tai Chi, Yoga, swimming, and various strength-training activities as your doctor recommends.
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Eliminate Hazard
Whatever we have in the house are fall hazards. Be it chairs, tables, or appliances; they can cause fall accidents. But, you can eliminate most of the glaring hazards. What is the arrangement of your furniture? Is the paths around the house clear? These are things you need to check out. Remove all forms of obstruction that can cause fall accidents.
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Proper Lighting
The light installation must suit your home’s needs. First, the house must be well lit enough for you to see properly. It should not be too light as that can affect your visions. You should also have your home exterior, including the patios and deck properly lit. You, therefore, need proper lighting to prevent fall accidents due to poor vision. It is a senior fall prevention you need to consider seriously.
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Change Footwear
What kind of shoes or flip-flops are you wearing? Well, this is a very important factor to put into consideration when preventing falls. You must avoid wearing high heels, slippers, and flip-flops with slippery soles because they put you at risk of serious falls. In addition, always wear properly fitted footwear, and they should have non-lip soles.
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Make Bathroom Modification
The typical bathrooms do not work for the elderly. That is why it is crucial to make some modifications that suit your needs. First, you need to install grab bars in the toilet, shower, and bathtub. You also need to install a raised toilet seat. In addition, a seat in the shower can also go a long way in preventing fall accidents.
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Hearing and Vision Checkup
If you are above the age of 65, then the risk of fall accidents can be vision and hearing. Because some of the tripping accidents are as a result of poor eyesight, you need medical attention. There is a relationship between poor eating and body balance mechanism. Therefore, you need a checkup of both your vision and hearing every 6 to 12 months. In case you notice changes between the next visit, don’t hesitate to pay your doctor an emergency visit.
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Address Medical Conditions
Some of the fall accidents are as a result of a medical. As you age, your body is prone to severe medical conditions. Some of these conditions, such as dementia, arthritis, and others, can make the body hence the falls. That’s why it is essential to attend medical checkups and have an open dialogue with your doctor. In addition, stick to your medication.
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Remove Clutter
Your home must be clutter-free if you want to avoid fall accidents. In a typical, there are many things, some of which may not be important in your life. If you don’t have family living with you, you, therefore, don’t all the furniture? Remove some of the furniture and appliances that you don’t need. You should also avoid having things with sharp corners in the house.
Once you hit the age of 55, you must take fall accidents serious. At this age, you cannot risk an injury. It will consume your money, and you will need a lot of time to heal the injury. however, there are so many things that you can do to prevent falls and keep safe. Try these senior fall prevention tips, and you will reduce the risk of falls significantly.