When it comes to fall prevention and imbalance — it’s easy to become worried that one day, a fall may result in a terrible injury. You already feel yourself holding onto nearby objects for balance and you’re worried that with one wrong move, you could end up hurting yourself.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. In fact, falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling in your home. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss five ways for you to prevent falls in your own home.
- Make Sure Your Home is Lit Well
One of the most important things you can do to prevent falls in your home is to make sure it is well-lit. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in flooring which could potentially lead to a fall. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, make sure all areas of your home have adequate lighting (especially hallways and stairwells). One way to do this is to consider installing motion-activated lights or nightlights. That way, you don’t have to remember to turn them on yourself and they will be activated whenever you walk past, making it convenient (and safe) for you!
- Remove Clutter and Tripping Hazards
When it comes to fall prevention, it’s important that you keep a tidy space. Clutter and tripping hazards are major causes of falls in the home. To prevent this from happening, make sure all areas of your home are free from clutter, such as boxes, books, pet toys, magazines, and other likewise items that could easily be tripped over or cause someone to stumble. On top of that, make sure all electrical cords are tucked away properly and out of sight. Tripping on a cord could make for a serious injury — so do what you can to eliminate the possibility!
- Install Non-Slip Mats and Rugs
One way to ensure you’re actively preventing slips and falls is to install and purchase non-slip mats and rugs throughout your home – especially in bathrooms and kitchens where spills are more frequent and likely to occur. On top of that, make sure any area rugs you have in the home are secured with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so they don’t slide around when stepped on. If you have a rug in your entryway that isn’t secured, one wrong move could be all it takes for you to become seriously injured.
- Improve Balance with Exercise
One great way to prevent injury from falls is to prioritize improving your balance with exercise — and one great way to do that is through physical therapy! Exercise is an important part of staying healthy as we age — but it’s also an important way for us to improve our balance and reduce the risk of falling in the home. Regular exercises taught to you by your physical therapist help strengthen your muscles which can help improve your balance and coordination — two key components when it comes to preventing falls. Talk with your PT about what types of exercises or plan of treatment is needed to actively take steps to prevent falls in the home.
- Use Assistive Devices When Needed
If you find yourself unsteady on your feet or having difficulty getting around due to your balance issues, consider using assistive devices such as walkers or canes when needed for additional support when walking around the house or when out and about. These devices can provide extra stability while walking which can help reduce the risk of falls and provide peace of mind knowing that you have something there for added support.
If you’re experiencing balance difficulties and feel as though you are at risk of falling and injuring yourself — these tips (as well as physical therapy) can help! To learn more about how Penrose Physical Therapy in Lacey, WA can help you reduce the risk of falling by improving your coordination and strengthening your muscles, be sure to contact us TODAY! We’d love to discuss your condition and come up with a plan to help you feel confident on your feet.
In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of these five tips and implement them in your household when you can. The more you take precautions, the more calm and confident you’ll feel on your own two feet.
