September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to sharing education on how to increase balance and offer practical safety solutions. The CDC reports that each year, 37 million older adults experience falls and that falls lead to 3 million emergency room visits. To help address this, the National Council on Aging offers a free and easy online tool called the Falls Free CheckUp, designed to assess fall risk and provide valuable prevention resources.
Want more information on fall prevention for seniors? Moldaw is here to help! Here are five practical tips to help prevent falls and accidents in daily life:
Be Mindful of Your Home’s Layout
Since we spend so much time at home, it’s essential to intentionally design the space to reduce the risk of accidents and falls. Here are some key tips:
- Keep hallways and rooms free of clutter and loose cords, and make sure rugs are securely fastened to the floor with tape or non-slip pads.
- Ensure your home is well-lit, especially in high-risk areas like the bathroom and stairwells. Motion-sensor lights can be a practical and affordable addition to your living space.
- Install handrails along staircases and grab bars in the bathroom, particularly near the toilet and shower, to provide extra support where it’s commonly needed most.
Stay Alert of Your Surroundings
Whether you’re inside or outside, it’s important to be on the lookout for any potential tripping hazards. These include:
- Uneven pavement or sidewalks
- Slippery leaves, sticks, or puddles.
- Items left on the floor, like bags, purses, or shoes.
- Protruding furniture legs
Additionally, wearing shoes with good traction suited to the terrain is always a wise choice, both indoors and out.
Improve Your Balance with Exercise
Strengthen your stability with easy, everyday exercises like this one:
- Stand next to or behind a sturdy, non-wheeled chair, using it for support if necessary.
- Shift your weight onto one leg and lift the other foot off the ground.
- Hold the position for a few seconds, for up to a minute, then switch legs and repeat with the other side.
For added support, stylish and functional canes and walking sticks can be incredibly helpful. With a variety of designs available, it’s easy to find options that match your personal style and outfits while also offering the stability you need to stay independent and sure-footed.
Know How to Fall to Reduce and Prevent Injuries
Did you know there are techniques to minimize impact and reduce the risk of injury during a fall? Here’s what to do:
- Aim to land on a soft area: Try to land on your bottom or another soft part of your body to help cushion the fall.
- Bend your elbows: If you use your hands to catch yourself, bending your elbows will help absorb the impact and protect your wrists and joints.
- Protect your head: If falling forward, turn your head to the side to protect your face. If falling backward, tuck your chin to avoid hitting the back of your head.
- Move with the momentum: Instead of trying to stop abruptly, roll and move with the fall’s momentum. This helps reduce the impact on your joints and bones.
Prevent Falls by Living in a Senior Living Community
Living in a retirement community can greatly reduce the risk of falls. Here’s how:
- Outdoor areas are regularly maintained, minimizing hazards like puddles, branches, and uneven sidewalks.
- Community and private spaces are thoughtfully designed with wide walkways, elevators, and step-free entrances.
- There’s convenient access to classes that help you maintain and strengthen your balance and muscles. At Moldaw, you can join a strength training class, our walking club, water aerobics, and so much more!
Enjoy A Care-Free, Active Lifestyle at Moldaw
Experience a vibrant, independent lifestyle while taking advantage of a wide range of community amenities, all within a campus thoughtfully designed for your enjoyment and comfort. Discover your new home at Moldaw—reach out to learn more today!
