Preventing falls is a critical step toward maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Whether you are recovering from a hospital stay or not, being in your own surroundings is a better option for increasing recovery time and increasing comfort. Ensuring your surroundings are safe is an important step to maintaining a level of independence.

As we age, falls can be quite serious. In fact, 1/3 of people 65+ years old experience a fall every year. By age 80, over half fall annually. A third of the falls occur in the bathroom. Falls account for 25% of all hospital admissions, and 40% of all nursing home admissions. Among those who are admitted to a nursing home, 40% of those do not return to independent living.

THE GOOD NEWS is that many falls can be prevented with the correct safety precautions taken in the home. By being proactive and properly setting up your home and having the proper equipment, falls can be avoided and independent living can be maintained for a longer period of time.

The primary causes of falls include:

1. environment/accident

2. gait/balance disorder

3. dizziness/vertigo

A Home Assessment is a good place to start. Take steps to make your home safe and prevent falls.

Keep physically active. Regular, daily exercise helps to improve balance, increase flexibility and build strength. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

Have your vision and hearing checked regularly by a professional.

Use medication as prescribed. Have your prescriptions and medications checked by your physician or pharmacist regularly.

Wear the right kind of shoes. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip or stumble.

Slow down. Watch where you’re going. Use handrails.

Get up slowly after eating, lying down or resting. Low blood pressure at these times can cause dizziness.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Download our helpful checklist so that you can complete your own Home Assessment.

Products that Help Prevent Falls

Browse our full product lines to see our wide array of options that will help make your home safe and secure.

Bathroom Safety

Mobility Assistance

Additional Fall Prevention Resources

Preventing falls and staying safe can be as easy as making a few minor adjustments at home. Let our resources help guide you as you make these important decisions.

Tips for Caregivers
Follow Drive’s tips to help keep your loved one safe while allowing them to feel in control.

General Fall Statistics
Understanding the risks of falling can help with understanding why falls occur and be used to develop a plan protect yourself or your loved one.

Room by Room Fall Prevention
Follow Drive's room by room guide for tips and practical product suggestions to prevent falls from occuring at home.

General Fall Prevention Guidelines
Simple tips to consider to prevent falls and tips if a fall does occur.

Other Risk Factors for Falls
It's important to consider all factors when developing a comprehensive fall prevention plan.

Simple Strategies to Prevent Falls
An important and easy-to-implement fall prevention strategy guide that can help prevent falls before they occur.

Safety First: Exploring Drive Medical Home Safety Products
Explore what Drive Medical products will make you or your loved one feel safe, secure and independent.

Fight the Fear of Falling
Face the fear of falling by staying active and safe with the right mobility products.

It's Never Too late to Think About Bath Safety
Learn how to protect yourself or your loved one with these Drive Medical Bath Safety strategies before it’s too late.

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