For any questions, feel free to reach out to Kelly Vanhove DPT, PT, ATC, FAFS at kelly@rehabunited.com.
Understanding Your Risk for Falling
To effectively prevent falls, it’s essential to recognize the factors that increase your risk.
Medical Conditions and Medications Chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease can affect your balance and mobility. Medications, especially those that affect the brain or blood pressure, can also increase the risk of falls.
Mobility and Balance Issues Weak muscles, especially in the legs, poor balance, and difficulty walking can make you more susceptible to falls.
Sensory Impairments Vision and hearing impairments can lead to difficulties in navigating your environment safely.
Environmental Hazards Cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces can all contribute to falls within the home.
Behavioral Factors Certain behaviors, such as rushing to the bathroom at night or not using walking aids when needed, can increase fall risk.
How to Prevent Falling
Preventing falls involves a combination of lifestyle changes, exercises, and making your environment safer.
Exercise Regularly Engage in exercises that improve strength, balance, and coordination. Activities like Tai Chi, yoga, and specific physical therapy exercises can be very beneficial.
Modify Your Home Environment
Keep pathways clear of clutter.
Ensure adequate lighting throughout your home.
Install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs.
Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen.
Review Your Medications Have a healthcare provider review your medications to identify those that might increase your risk of falling.
Wear Proper Footwear Choose shoes that fit well, have non-slip soles, and provide good support.
Routine Vision and Hearing Checks Regular eye and ear exams can ensure that impairments in these senses do not contribute to falls.
What to Do When You Fall
Knowing how to respond if you fall can help minimize injuries and ensure you get the help you need.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation Take a moment to assess if you’re hurt. If you’re not hurt, try to get up slowly.
Getting Up from a Fall
Roll onto your side.
Push yourself up onto your hands and knees.
Use a sturdy piece of furniture to help you stand up.
If You’re Hurt
Call for help if you have a phone within reach.
Use a medical alert system if you have one.
Stay as comfortable as possible until help arrives.
Seek Medical Attention Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
Action Steps
Falls are preventable, and by taking proactive steps, you can reduce your risk significantly. Incorporate the strategies mentioned above into your daily routine to stay safe and independent. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Kelly Vanhove DPT, PT, ATC, FAFS, at kelly@rehabunited.com.
Kelly Vanhove is a doctor of physical therapy. He is an outpatient physical therapist that enjoys working with individuals at all walks of life in the prevention or recovery from injuries.
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