Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over the age of 65? It?s also a fact that one in three adults over the age of 65 fall in the home each year.
Here are some easy tips to help prevent falls in the home:
? Exercise focused on weight bearing and balance are essential for preventing falls. Check with your local community center, senior center or fitness facility to see what classes are being offered for seniors.Yoga and Tai Chi classes are a good place to start, and you may even find some free classes offered in your community. You can also ask your doctor or health insurance carrier if they know of any classes that might be right for you!
? Check your medications for side effects, as some meds may cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can cause falls. Also, ask your doctor about the benefits of calcium and Vitamin D, which can help strengthen bones.
? Have a complete physical and an eye exam on an annual basis, especially if you?re experiencing symptoms such as weakness or dizziness.
? Remove trip hazards from the home and install grab bars in the bathroom and on stairways. Increasing lighting is also an inexpensive safety measure when it comes to fall avoidance.
? Take advantage of today?s technology and consider wearing a necklace that allows you to automatically contact emergency personnel at the push of a button.
Proactive measures lead to much better outcomes and provide peace of mind for older homeowners and their family members … and peace of mind can be worth its weight in gold!