Tips To Prevent Falls in Seniors

Whether you are slowly aging or someone that you love is, falls can become more common. It isn't as easy to move around, and your eyesight might not be what it used to be. That being said, the truth is that there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent falls.

Here are some things that you can do to prevent falls.

Have regular doctor visits. Certain conditions and medications can affect a person in different ways. When you are getting older, you need to go to the doctor regularly to ensure that you are as healthy as you can be. You need to have your eyesight checked regularly, too, so that you aren't falling due to your vision. If you start a medication, and you don't like the way that it makes you feel, you need to talk to your daughter about it.

Stay active. The more active that you are, the better off you will be. Take short walks around your home. Join a senior exercise group. Exercising in the pool can be a great way to stay fit.

Wear sensible shoes. The shoes that you wear can really affect the way that you get around. You should wear shoes that fit you properly with nonskid soles. You shouldn't walk around in socks, because that can be slippery. Likewise, you also should put away your high heels, flip-flops, and other shoes that can make you stumble and fall.

Light up your home. Since your eyesight may not be as good as it used to be, you are going to want to light up your home. Change the light bulbs as they burn out. Keep night lights on, so you can get up and go to the bathroom easily in the middle of the night. Always use lights when you go up and down the stairs. Keep flashlights where you can easily get them if the power goes out.

Make your home as safe as possible. You are going to want to clear the clutter from your home, so you don't trip over boxes or phone cords when you are moving around in your home. You may want to get rid of your coffee tables, so you don't bump into them. It helps to secure all rugs, so you don't trip on them when you walk over them. Fix your floorboards, so everything is as evenly as possible.

When thinking safety, you may also want to clean up after yourself. Don't leave puddles on the floor where you can slip. Keep items where you can easily get them.

Add safety devices to your home. There are many devices that will make your home safer. You might want to put handrails up at the stairs. You should invest in nonskid mats for your shower (and around your home). A raised toilet may make it easier for you to go to the bathroom. Grab bars can also be helpful for your safety.

If you want to be as safe as possible in your home, you should start working with a medical professional. If something doesn't feel right, you need to get help. If a medication makes you feel too loopy, you may want to talk to him or her about adjusting the dosage.

You also need to wear sensible shoes and make sure that your home is well-lit. You may also want to consult with someone to see how you can make your home as safe as possible. Clean up clutter and move items that you could trip over. Add safety devices to your home. A raised toilet and grab bars may make it easier to move around in your home!

Previously published on Medium.