This week is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, and according to reports, 1 in 4 older adults falls every year, and are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65 and older.
There are several steps you can take to help a loved one and reduce their risk of falling and injuring themselves. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Simply ask if they’re concerned about falling. Then discuss their current health conditions and fins out if they are experiencing any problems with managing their own health. This includes their eye health. If they wear glasses, make sure they have a current prescription and are wearing the glasses as intended. Pay attention to how they move around a room. If they grab onto stationary objects, this may be a sign that it might be time to see a physical therapist. Ask them about their medications. If they have a hard time keeping track of medicines or are experiencing side effects, discuss these concerns with their doctor and pharmacist. And lastly, do a walk-through safety assessment of their home. Check the lighting, any handrails on the stairs and in the bathroom and make sure they are stable.
To learn more about fall prevention, visit the National Council on Aging falls prevention website, NCOA.org/FallsPrevention.
