Falling happens to everyone, it can sometimes lead to potential harm, and seniors are the ones most at risk. Around 36 million adults age 65 years and older get injured from falling each year just in the U.S. alone. Despite falling every once in a while being an inevitable event, there’s still a lot you can do to help lower the likelihood. Here are six tips for seniors of Idaho Falls:
1. Remove Ice and Snow
Idaho winters can be pretty bad, especially when it comes to ice and snow. Hire a business or have someone you know, such as a grandchild or neighbor, shovel and chip away the ice around your property daily. That way you can go outside without an extra worry.
2. Eliminate Extra Furniture
While working on a project, would you tack on extra steps? No. So why should you treat the obstacles in your house any differently? As we age, our reflexes get a lot worse and so does our balance. Side stepping furniture gets harder and can cause many people to fall or trip. Removing any unnecessary furniture makes injuries less likely.
3. Clear the Floor
It’s easy to trip over small things like dog toys, rugs or stray cords, so make sure you clear the floor of those obstacles before they become a problem. Tuck or tape cords into place along the wall or behind furniture. Also make sure that all your rugs and carpets are flat on the ground and won’t bunch or fold up. If you’re able to get rid of or pick up anything else that could be on the floor, do that as well.
4. Wear Proper Clothing
Wearing good shoes, non-slip socks, and tighter clothing are all great ways to prevent injuries. You want shoes that promote balance, won’t get caught in things and are non-slip. Make sure to wear clothes you won’t step on or trip over. Don’t wear anything that has extra flowy bits that could possibly get stuck in doors.
5. Get Your Eyesight Checked
Part of preventing falls is making sure that you are aware of your surroundings, which is an extremely difficult task if you can’t see. Making sure you get your eyesight checked on a regular basis makes it more likely that you won’t run into anything. You may not have the reflexes to side step or jump over obstacles anymore, but hopefully you’ll be able to see the obstacles before any of that is required.
6. Use Available Assistance
Remember that there’s a lot of devices out there created specifically to assist elders in their daily lives. Despite seeming obvious, make sure to use a cane or walker if necessary. If you’re questioning whether you need one or not, ask your doctor for their recommendation. Another thing to consider is a shower chair or installing a bar in your shower. Showers are extremely slippery and you want to take extra precautions with them. Lastly, if you live in a house with more than one level, having handrails on both sides of the stairs can help prevent falls. Buying a stair lift is always an option as well!