Fall Prevention Part 1-Home Environment

Among adults over 65 years old in the United States, the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths is unintentional falls.Although the prevalence of nonfatal and fatal falls increases with age, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Most falls in older adults can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors.  Making some changes in your physical environment can help reduce the risk of a fall.

Declutter your home. Enlist a friend to assist and look at your space with fresh eyes. Do you have scatter rugs?  Remove themor tape them down securely. Small footstools, magazine racks and the like should be removed or moved away from walking paths.  Keep the walking pathways in your home clear of trip hazards like power cords, shoes, and pet dishes.  Keep the phone within easy reach when in bed, avoiding the need for quick moves when you are drowsy.

Keep your home well-lit; at night motion–sensor lights can be helpful and conserve energy.  Use nightlights for the walking path you traverse at night, there are low-cost battery-operatedoptions if electrical outlets are scarce.  Keep a flashlight in an easy to access spot in the event of a power failure at night, and always turn the light on before climbing or descending the stairs.

Wet surfaces are high-risk areas.  Use a non-skid mat in your tub/shower, and invest in grab bars for the shower area.  Use a non-slip bathmat for exiting the shower or tub (and put away when not in use).  Depending on your mobility and balance, a shower chair and handheld shower head can be a great investment for your safety

Stairs pose real fall hazards.  Always use the handrail, and ensure it is securely attached. If you have an increased risk of falls, install a handrail on both sides of the stairs.  Avoid using the stairs while carrying heavy or bulky items.  It is safer to make more trips with manageable loads.

Falls from ladders are a common occurrence. Carefully consider any stepladder use, and keep height to a minimum. Experts advise caution in anyone over age 60 when it comes to use of a stepladder.  Ask for help when you need it!  Some folks may take on physical tasks they can’t easily perform alone, increasing the risk of falls and injury.  

In a large study of patients visiting the ER after falling from a ladder, the results were conclusive:

Although they fell from lower heights, older adults (over age 65) sustained more severe injuries than those under age 65. They were more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries than younger adults.  In most of the falls, the patient had no one assisting them, and researchers pinpointed incorrect ladder placement and excessive reaching as the most common reasons for such falls. Always keep often-used items in easy reach to avoid having to use a stepladder, but if you must, use one with safety features like a locking device, non-slip steps and feet, and a stable base. It should also be lightweight and have a handrail.  

Outside the home

When walking outside, keep eyes and mind on task.  Watch for uneven sidewalks, broken pavement, loose bricks, and curbs.Poorly maintained pathways with tree roots or debris that cause sudden changes in elevation are another common hazard. Remember that surfaces can be slippery from rain, snow, or even early morning condensation.

Avoid areas with steep inclines or stairs without safety handrails and be mindful of your footwear. Always wear appropriate footwear for the conditions you’ll be traversing when outdoors-avoid flip-flops, slides, and high heels.  Ensure a good fit, good traction, and tied laces!

Please feel free to reach out to Ashland Board of Health at 508-532-7922 if you have any questions or concerns.