My Parents Keep Falling at Home — What Can I do?
Falls are the leading cause of death and injury for people over the age of 65; more than one out of four older people fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor.¹ Injuries can be as simple as little cuts, and bumps and bruises, to broken bones and big head injuries.
Falls at home can happen in many places, including stairs, hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms, so what can you do about it?
Start by evaluating the home to make sure everything is in good working order. Go room-by-room and inspect lighting, slippery surfaces, floor coverings, clutter, handrails on both sides of stairs, having grab bars inside bathrooms, checking furniture stability and adjusting the height, and removing trip hazards like cords and toys.²
Next consider the personal health conditions that make a person more likely to fall. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls which include; lower body weakness, Vitamin D deficiency, difficulties with walking and balance, use of medicines (tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants), vision problems, foot pain, and poor footwear, consider making an appointment with a health care provider ³
For more information what you can do to prevent falls or to obtain a home assessment contact a qualified safety professional.
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