Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

The National Council on Aging reports that:

• One in Four Americans aged 65+ falls every year
• Every 15 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.
• Falling is not an inevitable part of aging

Featured photo by Eskaton; Carmichael, CA;
winner of the 2016 Falls Free Photo Contest.

Six Steps to Prevent Falls

The National Council on Aging recommends six simple steps to prevent a fall. At this link you can download a copy of the fall prevention steps, and you can also watch this video:

1. Find a good balance and exercise program
   • Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility
   • Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals
   • Find a program you like and take a friend
2. Talk to your health care provider
   • Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling
   • Share your history of recent falls
3. Regularly review your medication with your doctor or pharmacist
   • Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling
   • Take medications only as prescribed
4. Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eye glasses
5. Keep your home safe
   • Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, install grab bars in key areas
6. Talk to your family members
   • Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe

How Care is There can help:

• Help find a good balance and exercise program
• Arrange transportation to exercise program locations
• Arrange a fall risk assessment with a healthcare professional
• Arrange a medication review with a doctor or pharmacist
• Arrange for annual vision and hearing tests and arrange transportation
• Organize home repair and maintenance to make the home safer

Resources for fall prevention:

• National Council on Aging

Next Steps

Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!

Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com

Related Articles

• Review the Safety of Your Home
• Hearing
• Vision
• Medication Management
• Exercise
• Installing Home Safety Equipment for your Elderly Loved One
• Walkers, Canes, Wheelchairs and Scooters – How to Choose, Pay for, and Maintain Them

Related Videos

• Six Steps to Prevent a Fall
• Exercise Programs to Prevent a Fall