Happy Fall Prevention Month

September is recognized as Fall Prevention Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventing falls, particularly among older adults. Falls are a significant concern for seniors, often leading to serious injuries and a decline in quality of life. During this month is focused on educating the public about fall prevention strategies. This includes promoting regular exercise to improve balance and strength, ensuring homes are hazard-free, and encouraging individuals to seek regular medical checkups. Fall Prevention Month serves as a crucial reminder that with proactive measures and awareness, we can reduce the risk of falls and help people lead safer, more independent lives.

One in every four older adults fall each year, and once you fall the chances of falling again rises. Besides previously falling, what else causes falls in older adults?

·       medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

·       eyesight

·       dementia

·       weak muscles

·       balance

·       blood pressure that drops too much when you get up from lying down or sitting

·       unsafe or bad footwear

·       medications

There is no guarantee that falls won’t happen, but they can be prevented by taking the right measures. Staying active, getting regular vision checks and making your home as hazard-free as possible are good first steps to take to help protect yourself from any potential falls from occurring.

What can be done to prevent falls?

Balance and strength training exercises

There are many types of exercises that you can practice that improve your overall balance and strength. Yoga, walking, gripping a tennis ball, Tai Chi, ankle stretches, and back twist stretches are great for balance and strengthening the muscles.

Have your eyes and hearing checked regularly

Changes in eyesight and hearing can increase your risk for a fall. Following up with appointments can adjust any issues that may come up.

Check medications

Having good medical management will help. Some medications’ side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that could contribute to any potential falls, and discuss a game plan for what to do when taking those medications.

Use a cane or walker

If you are unsteady on your feet and need either a cane or walker to move around, it is important for you to make sure the equipment you’re using is the correct size and adjusted properly.

Wear the right footwear

The right footwear includes nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.

Fall proof your home

Sometimes we don’t realize that the areas in our homes could be a safety hazard for older adults. This article provides a great checklist on how to prep your home to be hazard-free.

We provide a wide variety of mobility products to help make aging in place safe.Whether you have stairs inside your home or out, or need help standing up, we’ve got you covered! From stair lifts to home elevators to ramps, we pride ourselves by providing our customers with the best mobility equipment in the market at the best price, GUARANTEED.

Always tell your doctor when you fall

Even if you didn’t feel anything during your fall and you don’t feel like you’ve hurt anything, always tell your doctor. They’ll be able to take a look at you and determine if there is damage done that you are unaware of.

Falls are largely preventable incidents that can cause unnecessary trips to the emergency room.By implementing these preventive measures you can proactively protect yourself and loved ones, ultimately minimizing the need for emergency room visits and preserving your overall well-being.