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.

Additional Fall Prevention Resources