Help Protect Your Loved Ones from Falling
10/21/2024
As the weather gets colder, the landscape shifts from shades of green to oranges, yellows and browns. And while the leaves may be falling, we’d prefer to keep it to just the leaves! Every second of every day, an older adult falls leading to injuries, loss of independence, and in some cases, death.
The good news is falls can be prevented, especially with the help of a loved one and/or caregiver. Here are a few action items recommended by the CDC’s STEADI (stopping elderly accidents, deaths and injuries) initiative.
Speak up - Talk openly with your loved one and their healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention. Letting their doctor know right away about any falling concerns can help them prescribe appropriate care and medications, including supplements to improve muscle, bone, and nerve health.
Have eyes and feet checked - It sounds like common sense, but being able to see and walk properly makes a huge difference and can help prevent falls. Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor once per year and help them acquire appropriate glasses as needed. Have their healthcare provider check their feet once a year and discuss proper footwear.
Keep moving - Encourage (or help) your loved one to sign up for activities that could help improve balance and strengthen their legs to prevent falls. Things such as Tai Chi, dancing, or yoga might be places to start, or their healthcare provider may have more ideas. Exercise can also help them feel more confident and independent when moving around.
Make the home safe - Since most falls happen at home, it’s important to evaluate their living environment to minimize risk of falling. Keep floors clutter-free, remove rugs or use tape to keep rugs from slipping, add grab bars in the bathroom, ensure handrails and lights are installed on all staircases, and make sure the home has lots of light.
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. To view wait times and get directions, visit https://www.merithealthbiloxi.com/hospitals.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html
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