Our Blog

Now is a great time to take some simple steps to make sure the only things falling this autumn are LEAVES.

Falling is a serious issue for seniors and the chances of falling increase with age. While there are various reasons for falling down (medications or health issues) a lot of falls can be prevented  by planning ahead.

If you must have throw rugs, make sure they are skid-proof.

1. Look over your medications. Take all your medications (including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine) to your next doctor’s appointment. By having your doctor review what your are taking, he or she might want to change doses or try a different medication if it makes you dizzy.

2. Make a fall prevention plan with your doctor.  Your healthcare provider may want to check your balance, leg strength, blood pressure and heart rate or may want to examine how you walk and your vision. He or she might have you do strengthening exercises or recommend a cane or a change in shoes.

3. Make your home safe.  There are a number of simple things you can do to minimize the risk of falling at home:

• Make sure pathways are clear of cord and clutter
• Remove loose carpets and throw rugs. If you insist on having throw rugs, use rugs with nonskid backing.
• Make sure your house is well-lit, especially at the top and bottom of stairs or inside and outside the doors to your home.
  

  Make sure all rooms and hallways are well lit. Add grab bars in the bathroom

• Add grab bars near the toilet and bath tub, and use slip-proof mats in tub or shower.
• Wear firm shoes that aren’t slippery.  Wear non-skid socks.

4.  If you have a fall, talk with your doctor about what might have caused it. Did you trip over something, feel dizzy or lose your balance?  Figuring out what caused the fall can be helpful in avoiding another one.

Falling is very  traumatic for seniors and can have devastating results.  For more information on preventing falls visit Healthinaging.org

Wearing non-skid socks can help prevent falls.

Aspen Senior Care is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in our community! We do this by providing quality in-home care and day center programs, and helping seniors and their families connect with support groups, health services and other resources in the community.  If you are in need of assistance or have any questions, please give us a call at 801-224-5910 or visit our website at aspenseniorcare.com.