According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2020, there were 36,000 deaths caused by falling for people 65 or older. There were also 3 million emergency room visits due to falls. Falling can have serious outcomes for seniors. They can lead to fractures or head injuries. However, even though falls can be dangerous they are preventable. They can be prevented with simple changes made to your life. As well as your home. It is all about being aware of potential hazards. In this blog, you will get easy tips on how to make your home safe according to the CDC. That way you can lower your chances of falling.

Knowing the Risks: 

Before you take a look at the different preventative tips, it is key to know the risk factors that cause falls for seniors.

• Space Hazards: These are things like cluttered hallways, loose rugs, or bad lighting. These hazards can make trip hazards.

• Health Conditions: Having health issues like arthritis, poor vision, and bad balance can add to your chances of falling. 

• Medications: Some medications you are prescribed can cause dizziness or sleepiness. Walking around while on these can lead to a slip and fall.

• Shoes: Wearing house slippers that lack the proper grip can also cause falls.

Home Safety: 

After you have addressed the risks listed above you can start making modifications to your home and routine. The following are tips you can do to keep you safe from falling.

• Lighting: Having good lighting in your home is key. Especially In areas like hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. You can place nightlights in all of your rooms to ensure better visibility during the night. Make sure that your light bulbs are bright. Go for high-wattage bulbs for your fixtures and lamps. 

• Declutter Your Space: Having cluttered spaces in your home can greatly add to your chances of tripping or falling. To reduce this hazard clear your walkways. You can do this by keeping your floors free of items like shoes, clothing, and electrical cords.

• Secure Rugs: Loose rugs and carpets are common reasons for falls. Use non-slip mats or rug pads underneath to prevent slipping. As well as removing loose rugs from the home if securing them is not possible.

• Assistive Devices: Assistive devices can hugely better safety and mobility in your home. Using a walker or a cane for additional support when walking greatly reduces your chances of a fall.

• Handrails: Handrails and grab bars give you extra support.  Make sure that you have handrails on both sides of your stairs if you live in a two-story home. As well as installing grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to give you stability when in the bathroom.

• Medications: Certain medications can higher your chances of falling due to side effects like dizziness. Be sure to regularly review your medications with your healthcare provider for both prescribed medications and over the counter. That way your provider can identify which ones may give you balance issues. 

• Exercise: Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves your balance. Which in turn helps prevent falls. Try doing balance exercises like yoga and stretching to better your stability. It is also a good idea to add strength training to maintain your muscle mass and support your joints.

Visit Clinicas 

Preventing falls is a big part of maintaining your health and independence as you get older. By making simple changes to your home and being careful you can greatly lower your risk of falling. You can start by addressing common hazards and slowly adding these tips into your home. By doing this you are being proactive about your health. For extra help visit Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. to talk to your Primary Care provider about tailored tips for fall prevention. Along with overall health maintenance. Clinicas Primary Care providers are here to give personalized help. They can review your medication with you. As well as give you exercise to better your balance and strength. Take the first step towards a safe and healthy future. Make an appointment and visit Clinicas today. Your health and safety are Clinicas’ top priority.