Balance is very important to seniors and the elderly during the aging process, as we’re reminded during “Balance Awareness Week” from Sept. 18-24.
A fall prevention strategy involves a little planning, a little effort, and seeking a professional opinion. You want to talk to your health care provider and understand that as you grow older, you’ll have changes to your health and body that may affect balance. You also may be taking prescription medications that can affect your balance.
Keeping all this in mind, here are six fall prevention strategies or tips.
—Make an appointment with your health care provider. Talking to your doctor will help assess your risks because they can check your medications and decide if they have side effects that affect your balance, possibly leading to a fall. You may even need to change your medications.
Here are other questions you may need to answer:
—Have you fallen previously?
—Was there a time you were able to prevent a fall?
—What are your health conditions?
Other things to watch out for are eye or ear disorders that can cause you to fall. You may experience dizziness, imbalances, joint pains, occasional shortness of breath, or some numbness in your extremities. These are all risks to your balance and potential to fall. Talking to your doctor will help you assess your balance, muscle strength, and gait.
—Consider using a walker, cane, or other assistive device. An assistive device such as a cane or a walker can help you stay balanced. Use handrails on both sides of the stairway if you need to. Check for nonslip treads on steps. You may need a raised toilet seat or one that has armrests. Your shower or bathtub may need a grab bar and a sturdy plastic seat.
—Proper footwear is important. Good footwear that fits properly, has a low profile, is sturdy, and has nonskid soles will help you stay balanced and upright. Avoid high heels, slick soles or floppy slippers. They could cause you to stumble or fall. Walking around in socks poses a slipping danger.
—Exercise and keep active. A physical activity routine helps you with balance and muscle strength and toning. Activities such as walking, water activities, tai chi or other movement activities, or yoga help with your balance.
—Keep the lights on. A well-lit living area lets you see objects before you trip or stumble over them. At night, use night lights and have a lamp you can reach easily next to your bed. Keep light switches accessible. Having a flashlight handy if you lose power is also recommended.
—Remove household hazards. Make sure you hallways and walking paths are clear of objects that could trip you up. Have secure rugs. Dishes, food, and bathroom items should be in easy reach. Put nonslip mats in your tub or shower. Also, always quickly clean up things that spill like liquids, grease, or food.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Auburn Hill Senior Living are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Auburn Hill Senior Living, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a tour or download a brochure today!