How to reduce falls at home
Be proactive about taking care of yourself.
Falls at home are common. It's important to talk to your family and doctor about how you can plan ahead to take care of yourself and make your home safer.
Get plenty of physical movement
It's important to move every day. Moving helps you stay healthy, strong and helps with balance or being steady on your feet. Before doing more intense exercise or physical movement, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it's safe.
Think about your eyes and feet
Make sure you get your eyes checked at least once a year. If you need glasses, make sure your prescription is current.
Good balance starts with healthy feet. Make sure your doctor looks at your feet during appointments. Your footwear should always be comfortable and fit well, to help with your balance.
Plan ahead at home
Get rid of clutter to making moving around your home safe and easy. Try not to use floor rugs as they are easy to trip on.
Put in bars or railings on the stairs and in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower or tub to help steady yourself. Make sure where you're walking is well-lit, so you can see your path.
Who can you call with an emergency?
Try using a home alert system where you can easily press a button. Have a list friends or family members who live near you to call if you have a problem. Have a plan for someone to check on you regularly if they don't hear from you.
If you have a plan in place, it could help you stay in your home longer.
Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.