3 Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls

One of the most serious threats to senior independence is falling. A simple misstep can lead to a hospital stay, surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, the loss of mobility or even death. When it comes to preventing falls, there are four main considerations: home environment, strength and balance, medical conditions and medication. To map out a comprehensive a falls prevention plan, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

In honor of Falls Awareness Prevention Day September 23, CVMC has 3 tips to help an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life reduce their risk of falling.

(1) Make Your Home A Safer Place By:

• Removing boxes, cords, and reading materials from walkways.

• Place furniture and décor out of high traffic areas

• Secure loose rugs and carpeting or remove them from your home

• Repair loose floorboards and use non-skid cleaners on hardwoods

• Always use handrails in stairways

• Use non-slip bathmats

• Mount grab bars near tubs, showers and commodes

• Use a shower chair and handheld shower attachment

• Keep your home well-lit and use nightlights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways

• Stay Active to Improve Your Balance

(2) Exercises that increase balance and strength, lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. Consider participating in CVMC’s A Matter of Balance Program. This is a FREE 4 week program that’s designed to help manage falls and increase activity levels. It’s held on Mondays and Wednesdays starting October 26th from 9:30am – 11:30am.

(3) Have a Healthcare professional Review Your Medications and Overall Health. “As we age, our body changes they way it reacts to certain medication such as making you sleepy or dizzy and cause you to fall,” says Carol Robinson, Senior Services Specialist at Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Health First Center. “Your physician can evaluate your medications and possibly wean you off those that may increase your risk of falling. In addition, your provider can conduct bone density tests, recommend an exercise program, provide referrals for home evaluations and even provide gait training,”

The Health First Center offers a broad array of programs and wellness services focused directly at the seniors of our community. Philips Lifeline GoSafe is also available at the Health First Center. The GoSafe system utilizes an in-home communicator to optimize in-home performance, and the GoSafe pendant can be charged while worn, providing continuous protection for the wearer. Joining Lifeline with AutoAlert and the Philips Lifeline response app, GoSafe is the latest in Philips Lifeline’s suite of solutions designed to empower seniors to age safely and independently while providing their families with peace of mind. For more information about GoSafe, please contact Carol Robinson by calling 828.485.2696 or email cbrobinson@catawbavalleymc.org.