Fall prevention is especially critical in the winter when bad weather can make mobility more of a challenge. However, falls rank as a leading cause of death among aging adults all year round. One of the most critical components of our services is fall prevention. We provide recommendations and sometimes exercises to help our clients stay safe at home.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of falling for older adults. These include:
- hazards in the home or community
- medication side-effects
- memory problems
- balance problems
- chronic disease
- poor vision
- weakness
- improper footwear
After major medical events, such as surgeries, these factors can make moving around the home much harder than usual. Part of the recovery process for our patients is minimizing their fall risk, whether through therapy or through adjusting things around the home.
We may recommend that a patient does certain exercises to strengthen their balance or help them walk more confidently. We may also recommend that changes are made around the house to help our patient get around safely. Common recommendations include keeping walkways clear of furniture or clutter, especially on staircases, and to either secure rugs and mats with non-slip backings, or to remove them entirely. Another common recommendation is keep lamps within easy reach and add night-lights to outlets so it is easy to see where to walk in low light.
There are many ways to reduce fall risks in the home. Our therapists and nurses are prepared to help our clients make adjustments so they can safely navigate their home. Fall prevention is one of the many services that Haven Home Health offers. Contact us for more information about how we can best help you or your loved one.