Fall Prevention
This week we transition from summer to fall. I’m one that grieves the summer as I long for warm weather but at the same time, welcome the new season. The coziness of fall, the beautiful colors of all the leaves, sweatshirts, football, harvest, warm soups and drinks help with the transition and to prepare for the winter season. Our bodies and souls know the rhythm, we just have to embrace it.
Another rhythm that happens this time of year is Fall Prevention. September is “Fall Prevention Month” and the week we officially transition to fall is “Fall Prevention Week.” Every year, as we’re surrounded by the beauty of fall, we’re reminded not to fall. Falls can happen at any age, however “falls are the leading cause of injury for adults age 65 and older (CDC).”
So, what are the most important things we can do to prevent falls? The National Council of Aging has a handout called “6 Tips to Prevent a Fall (NCOA).” While I feel home safety is very important to prevent falls, there are other factors that may contribute to falls and this handout provides other great prevention tips. Listed below are the “6 Tips to Prevent a Fall (NCOA)” with my comments following. This information is helpful for all of us to know as it may affect us someday one way or another. We may have parents, friends or neighbors we could share this information with or we may notice they are at risk for falls and by sharing, we could prevent a fall from occurring.
Find a good balance and exercise program. – This is so important which is why I’m glad it’s number one! If your brain doesn’t like the word ‘exercise’ call it movement. Find activities you enjoy that keep you moving every day!
Talk to your health care provider. – Whether you have concerns, fall history or just curious if you are at risk for falls, talk to your provider or have an assessment completed by a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT). Just like you go to the doctor every year for a physical, an annual assessment by a PT/OT is a great idea to assess balance and fall risk.
Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. – This! There are so many different side affects from medications. If something doesn’t feel right, if you don’t feel right…. talk to your doctor. Don’t risk a fall!
Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses. – The balance system – your eyes & ears. So important! Don’t let this get missed.
Keep your home safe. – One of my favorite topics and oh so important! And if you’re reading this and you’re thinking I don’t need to worry about this yet…. Ask yourself, who comes to visit my home? How could you make it safer for those that visit? Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, install handrails for stairs and grab bars where needed.
Talk to your family members. – I would also add friends into this mix. If you have concerns of any kind regarding falls, whether the concern is about you or a family member, let your family and/or friends know and support one another in the process.
As an occupational therapist I help people prevent falls in their home by providing home safety assessments, education on home safety and tips to prevent falls. As a certified kitchen and bath designer, I incorporate these strategies into my designs to improve the function and safety of your home for your family and friends. To learn more about these services, call or DM to schedule a free discovery call.
Disclaimer: The information and fall prevention tips provided in this blog post are for educational and informational purposes only. While written from the perspective of occupational therapy and design, this content does not constitute medical advice, professional occupational therapy, or individual home safety assessments. Every individual has unique mobility, health, and environmental needs. These general tips should not replace customized evaluations from a licensed occupational therapist, physical therapist or your primary care physician. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your physical routine or living environment. If you or a loved one are experiencing an immediate safety or health concern, please contact 911 emergency services or your healthcare provider directly.