Preventing Falls
 Spills can spell disaster. If you or someone you love is prone to
falling, here are some basic prevention tips:
- Keep an active lifestyle, maintain flexibility and strength
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly
- Get up slowly
- Maintain balance and footing
- Use correct assistive device (walker, cane)
- Use correct shoes (low heeled, non-slip soles)
An important preventive measure is early diagnosis for conditions such as
diabetes, hypertension and vestibular dysfunction. Another way to prevent falls
is to get healthy—decrease your risk of hardening of the arteries by quitting
smoking, exercising regularly and adopting a healthy diet. Coordinate your
medications to avoid errors—use the same pharmacy and primary care physician
for all of your prescriptions.
Make your home fall-safe:
- Clear debris from walking paths
- Don't use throw rugs
- Fasten carpets to floor
- Remove raised thresholds
- Use only non-skid floor wax
- Wipe spills as they occur
- Keep stairways well-lighted
- Install sturdy handrails in stairways
- Install grab handles in bathroom
- Place non-skid mats in bathroom
- Use shower chairs and bath benches
- Install light switches by bed and doors
- Use a night light
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