HOW SENIORS CAN PREVENT FALLS

“I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.”

It is just a few words, but the words remind seniors about one of the many consequences of taking a hard fall to the floor or ground. Although fear of immobility is one consequence of falling, a far more serious consequence of falling is sustaining one or more serious injuries, such as a concussion or fractured bone.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls impact more than 65 million Americans each year who are at least 65 years old. Falls represent the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) among seniors. At our senior living center in Everett, Washington, caregivers emphasize the importance of preventing falls by implementing several strategies to keep our residents safe. As a senior, you can do your part to prevent falls as well.

Be Physically Active

Regular exercise helps strengthen bones and muscles, which in turn helps improve your balance and agility. Exercise routines, such as light weightlifting and martial arts moves, can reduce the likelihood of a senior developing osteoporosis. This disease, which is common among seniors, weakens the bones to make them more likely to sustain a fracture.

At the MorningStar assisted living facility near Arlington, we offer exercise programs that include yoga, Pilates, and tai chi to help residents improve coordination and build muscle strength.

Make Your Apartment Fall-Proof

With handrails in the bathroom and non skid mats placed over slick areas, our assisted living facility in Lynnwood goes the extra mile to fall-proof every apartment. Nonetheless, residents can help out by following a few simple tips like providing sufficient lighting, clearing objects off the floor, and making sure carpeting is secured throughout an apartment. Lighting is an especially important factor in preventing falls. Leave a light on in the bathroom at night and place night lights close to your bed.

Undergo Hearing and Vision Tests

As we age, we tend to lose our senses of sight and sound. Just a small change in vision and hearing increases the risk of falling. Getting your vision and hearing checked out can improve your balance, as well as help you detect potential dangers that can cause you to slip and fall. Test new eyeglasses and contact lenses to get used to wearing the vision aids. Make sure that if you wear a hearing aid, it fits snugly across the ear lobe.

Walk With an Assistive Device

Using an assistive device helps keep you steady when you walk. Properly using a cane or a mechanized walker prevents the types of falls that produce serious injuries. Make sure the assistive device recommended by your physician is the correct size, as well as allows you to move about smoothly. If you start using an assistive device, slowly work up to increasing foot speed until you feel comfortable walking at your normal pace.

Lifestyle Changes

A few lifestyle changes can make a difference in your balance and agility. For example, getting enough quality sleep prevents you from becoming tired enough to lose focus while you are walking. Limit your alcohol consumption, as too much alcohol can create coordination issues that lead to falling to the floor or ground. Keep both hands free by carrying a backpack or shoulder bag. Having both hands free allows you to use your arms to balance the body.Discover how our senior living center in Everett, WA takes steps to protect residents by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility.