Tips for Fall Prevention

Tips for Fall Prevention Falls can lead to fatal and nonfatal injuries resulting in hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. Falls can lead most senior citizens to fear the thought of falling, which can lead to depression and anxiety. According to the NCOA, one in four Americans fall every year. Taking a nasty fall can have a great impact on your overall health and wellness. Here at PTSI we understand just how serious and traumatizing falls can be. Our goals are to help our patients feel confident and strong. Here are a few tips to help avoid a fall. Keep the house tidy A clean house is easy to walk around in. Remove clutter such as newspaper stacks, piles of clothes, piles of books, etc., especially in the living area used most often. This will also reduce the tripping hazards throughout the house. Grab bars and handrails Installation of railings and grabs can improve safety in the stairwells, the shower, next to the toilet and walking areas that are not well lit. Light it up If you can’t see, you can’t walk. Try using a bright light illuminated toward the ceiling or a light that prevents a glare in areas such as the kitchen, stairs, bathroom, living room, etc. Shoes are important Wear a durable pair of shoes that have a protective reinforcement which limit impact or compression. Also make sure that you are wearing your correct shoe size and not a size that is too big or too small. Use non-slip mats Porches, showers and bathroom floors can be extremely dangerous when wet. To prevent falls on slick surfaces, we recommend a nonslip mat. Take caution when moving. Walk with an assistive device if it is needed and pay attention to your surroundings. Your health is important to us. If you have suffered from a fall and want to stay on your feet or if you worry that you might be at risk for falling, contact our wonderful staff at PTSI and let us help get you feeling confident again! 208-478-1488