6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Falling at Home
Falls are the number one cause of injury in older adults and about 33% of seniors will experience a fall this year! While falls are scary and can cause serious injury, the good news is there are several simple things you can do at home to reduce your risk of having a fall, even if you usually don’t have concerns about your balance.
Remove tripping hazards like area rugs, loose cords, and clutter. Having fewer (or ideally no) things on the floor will reduce your risk of catching your toe and tripping.
Wear grippy socks or shoes inside. This is especially important if you have hard or slick flooring so that you don’t accidentally slip and slide.
Be mindful of your pets. We love animals here at Hope First PT, but we also know they can get in the way or surprise us by getting caught underfoot. Pay extra close attention to where your pets are when you are up and moving around. If you have a dog that you take for walks, consider getting a waist-clip leash so you can have both hands free for balance.
Use non-slip mats anywhere that gets wet like the shower, tub, or kitchen.
Make sure you have adequate and easily accessible lighting. We rely heavily on our vision for balance and having dimly lit areas can increase the chance of balance issues. If you know you usually get up at night to use the bathroom, make sure a lamp or light switch is close by so you don’t have to walk far to turn on the light.
Use handrails and grab bars. If you have stairs at home, make sure you have at least one sturdy handrail. One on each side of the stairs is even better. Grab bars in higher risk areas like the tub and next to the toilet can help give you an extra place to steady yourself.
If you are concerned about falling or worried your balance is not as good as it once was, give us a call at 402-809-5986 to learn how we can help you feel steady on your feet again. Because we are the only mobile physical therapy provider in Lincoln, we can provide personalized, real-life safety recommendations and home set up tips like no one else can!