A Balanced Step Towards Fall Prevention

A simple accident, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a patch of ice, can change your life. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 years or older experience a fall contributing to over three million emergency department visits across the country.1 In 2023, Good Samaritan Hospital treated 787 trauma patients due to fall-related injuries, making falls the number one trauma injury seen in Good Samaritans Emergency Department. Simply stated, the risk of falling and fall-related problems increases as we age.Why do falls happen?Falls can result from a range of personal and environmental factors. Hazards like dimly lit rooms, steep stairs, and hard-to-reach shelves or storage areas present tripping risks. Additionally, as we age, changes in our vision, hearing, and overall health can raise the risk of falls.How to prevent fallsFall prevention is about identifying and mitigating as many risk factors for falling as possible. Take some time to do an inventory of your home and your physical health to see if there are any risks present. Once youve identified potential risk factors, you can take steps to address them. Remove home hazards. Remove clutter and items on the floor and in areas where you walk. Secure electrical cords so they dont block walkways, and secure or remove any area rugs that bunch or slip. Make home modifications. Install grab bars near the toilet and in your shower, install handrails along your stairs, have lightbulbs replaced or install new lights in dark hallways and rooms, and use non-slip mats in your shower or bathtub. Stay active. Regular physical activity and exercise keeps your muscles strong, prevents bone loss, and can improve your balance. Walking, water workouts, or Tai Chi are great activities that improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. Taking care of your overall health and acknowledging your risk factors for falling is extremely important as we age. If youre not sure where to start, schedule time with your primary care physician to discuss a plan for you or your loved one to keep you healthy, happy, and safe in your home and community. 1 About STEADI. (2024, April 22). Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/about/index.html  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lindsay Reinert, PMP, Marketing Specialist with Intermountain Health. She may be reached by email at lindsay.reinert@imail.org.

What do Richard Simmons and Bob Saget have in common? The curly-haired fitness advocate and comedian, actor, TV host were both household names and they both died as a result of a fall.Over 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall every year, resulting in 3 million annual emergency department admissions. Every 11 seconds an older adult is admitted to the ER, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.The reality is that falls can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Here are some essential fall precautions to help you stay safe and reduce your risk.Assess Your Health FactorsIn order to prevent falls, first you need to evaluate how likely you are to suffer one. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to impaired vision, chronic conditions that affect mobility, weakened muscles or certain medications. If you or a loved one fall into any of these categories, that puts you more at risk for a fall, speak with a care provider to see if they can address any of these conditions to reduce your risk.Address Your Mobility ConcernsIf you or a loved one struggles to move around freely, dont hesitate to utilize assistive devices. Walkers and canes are affordable solutions to mobility impairment, while shower chairs or bed rails can help you with some of the most routine parts of the day. Appropriate footwear can be another easy solution to mobility concerns. Buy socks with grip on the bottom or shoes that can be easily slipped on and worn around the house to avoid the possibility of slipping and sliding on hardwood floors.Accident-Proof Your HomeAccident-proofing is the most easily controllable method of fall prevention. While falls can happen anywhere, theyre most likely to occur where you spend the most timeat home. With that in mind, you can make your home safer by doing the following: Clearing clutter on the floor and stairs Making sure hallways and stairways are well-lit Securing rugs and other floor coverings with non-slip adhesives Keeping everyday items in easily accessible places that dont require much bending or climbingAsk for HelpYou dont have to tackle fall precautions alone. Numerous professional organizations and experts are ready to provide you with all the additional resources you need. The National Council on Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging, for instance, are great resources for fall prevention. SYNERGY HomeCare also offers a comprehensive Fall Prevention Guide and can provide a free in-home assessment with a professional caregiver who can come to your home and identify its biggest risks. SYNERGY HomeCare can also provide you with an around-the-clock team of professional caregivers who are trained to provide much-needed respite care when aging-related difficulties arise. If you have any questions, please contact us at 720-204-5788.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.