Fall Risk Checklist: Safely Increase Senior Independence
Fall risk prevention is extremely important for seniors. As you get older, physical changes and health conditions make falls more likely. Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors and can result in broken bones, hip fractures, and head injuries. The safety and independence of seniors or a loved one is a priority. The CDC’s fall risk checklist (found here: https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-StayIndependent-508.pdf) has a 12 simple Yes/No questionnaire that assess your fall risk. This assessment is a good start in determining whether you or a loved one is at risk of falling and allows you to prepare and initiate the steps needed to avoid falls. With more than 1 in 3 seniors falling each year, implementing fall prevention tips can make a big difference in your safety.
Once you determine you or a loved one is at risk of falling, you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor. He can better assist with preparing a plan that you can begin to implement for safety.
There are additional tips you can start implementing immediately:
1. Get Moving: sounds simple but physical activity can really help towards fall prevention. Consider low-impact activities such as walking, water activity, and yoga. You can also speak with a physical therapist to create a custom program.
2. Keep Your Home Bright:
- Store Flashlights in easy places to find
- Place night lights in your bedroom and common areas (bathroom, kitchen, hallways)
- Swap out light switches for glow in the dark or illuminated switches
- Turn on lights before going up or downstairs
- Place lamps in easy access areas of your living space
- Keep medications out of reach from your pets and children
3. Remove Clutter: make sure your hallways and pathways are clear from items such as (chairs, boxes, electrical cords, plants, etc.) Remove loose rugs or use secured rugs to avoid tripping and fix any loose carpet in the home.
4. Invest in Assistive Devices: install handrails, grab bars for the shower or tub, and use nonslip mats in the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Wear properly fitting and sturdy shoes with good soles.
6. Avoid Baggy Clothes: Choose more fitted and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t drag on the floor.
7. Consider Hiring a Caregiver: Trained caregivers can assist you or a loved one in activities of daily living (ADLs) and will implement fall prevention tasks. You can find a caregiver through an agency such as True Caregiving. Contact our staff for further information.