Falls Prevention (1/4): Why Do Falls Happen?

It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week -- September 18-24.  We'll be taking the conversation beyond the week in a series of 6 podcasts with our colleagues Sheila McKannay, Certified Care Manager, and Keri Pollock, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Falls are not a normal part of aging. It's a great time to engage friends and family in an assessment of your home.   

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Keep floors and walkways clear of clutter and tripping hazards (shoes, boxes, pet accessories, your purse, books and magazines, etc.)

• Remove  or secure throw rugs; move furniture from walking pathways

• Improve visibility through interior and exterior lighting 

• Clip or tape cords securely to walls or floors

• Outside: Repair and mark uneven thresholds with contrasting tape or paint

You can reduce your risk of falling with regular exercise, reviewing medications with a health care provider, getting your eyes checked annually, and making your home safer by improving lighting and cleaning tripping hazards.

Could you benefit from a Falls Risk Assessment? Schedule a free, get-acquainted call today with one of Aging Wisdom's Certified Care Managers today to explore the benefits.

Resources

• Six Steps to Prevent a Fall (and Injury)
• Get a Leg Up on Falls Prevention
• Falls Prevention, Assessment, and Evaluating Risk

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