As my father aged and his peers started dying, he changed his farewell salutation from “have a nice day” to “don’t fall down.”
There was a good reason for this. First-hand experience taught him that falling down often resulted in a hip fracture, anesthesia and surgery, and then a tenuous recovery period. The reality is, a hip fracture can be either life-changing or life-ending.
And it only takes a second. One of three seniors will fall this year but a significant percentage will not report falls to either their doctor or family members. Falls are accepted as a normal part of aging, so why announce something that can’t be avoided?
Because there are many things that can be done to decrease the risk of falls.
8 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falling Down
Slow down, both while walking and when changing positions. Never get to a standing position without taking a moment to make sure you’re steady before moving. Becoming dizzy upon standing is more common as we age.
A single story is the best way to go if at all possible. If you must negotiate stairs, install a handrail and take an abundance of time when going both up and down. Handrails and grab bars are critical by toilets, tubs, showers, as well as hallways.
Keep it light! More lights and brighter bulbs go a long way to enable you to see obstacles in front of you. If you start having small stumbles or falls, have your eyes examined. Dimming vision can come on slowly where you don’t readily recognize this change.
Removing clutter and throw rugs is also a huge help. You don’t want to have a narrow path to negotiate, full of barriers, cords, and rugs that can catch your foot. Remember, it only takes a second to fall.
Avoid slips! Any liquid spills are an accident just waiting to happen. If you have any urinary incontinence, start wearing disposable pads or briefs. Incontinence can also be a gradual change and it’s easy to start walking quickly to the bathroom without even realizing you are wetting the floor as you go.
Non-skid, rubber mats in front of the kitchen sink and in the bathtub or shower will provide an additional layer of safety. Rubber sole shoes are a must, rather than slippery shoes or socks.
Hold on to someone or something. Holding hands on outings is both a boon to safety and can be emotionally gratifying. If you don’t have a hand-holder to turn to, make that huge step to a walker. I know this is a tough step to take for many, but it can make a huge difference. The use of a walker keeps the elderly up and moving and active.
Tell someone when you start having stumbles or falls. Do this the same way you would report chest pain or any other medical symptom. Falls can start a cascade of events that sometimes cannot be undone. I urge you to be open and honest to protect your future and your health.
This holiday season, take time to discuss these precautions with your loved ones. Do a walk-through of their home and help them make necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of falling down.
Get your complimentary Medical Planning Worksheet. This is the exact worksheet I’ve developed and use with all my clients. Click here to get the Worksheet.
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