Top Ten Fall Prevention Tips

“Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and are the leading cause of injury death among senior citizens 65 and older. In 2007, 18,334 adults age 65 and older died from fall-related injuries—four times as many as all other age groups.”
~ National Safety Council

Fall injuries continue to be a leading reason of hospital admissions and readmissions for elder patients. Throughout the natural aging process, injuries suffered from falls can become more serious in nature. Listed below for your convenience is a list of Top Ten Fall Prevention Tips:

1. Exercise regularly
2. Eat a balanced diet
3. Wear sensible shoes
4. Take time for friends
5. Do home safety checks
6. Remove clutter
7. Have vision and hearing checks
8. Be aware of your medications
9. Use mobility aids
10. Ask why your fall happened

Below is a “5 Step Fall Prevention Plan” to reduce the likelihood of an aging loved one having an accident.

1. Ask if they have had a fall over the past year
2. Assess risk of falling (health, functional and environmental factors)
3. Design fall prevention strategies (base on identified risk factors)
4. Discuss strategies with the elder and their caregiver (if available)
5. If elder falls reassess risk and redesign strategies

What preventive tips can you share on how to reduce the number of elder falls?