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Last winter, we tackled the topic of falls and older adults. We shared some startling statistics that made us realize the need for fall prevention education was great. If you missed our article in January, we’ll start by revisiting the key points we shared back then before moving on to a checklist of tips that can help you assess your own environment.
By the Numbers: Older Adults and Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults falls every year. That means a whopping 14 million people over the age of 65 experience a fall. In 2021, 38,000 deaths among older adults were attributed to a fall, and they were responsible for 3 million visits to hospital emergency departments.
Researchers say many of the falls seniors suffer can be prevented. But it requires identifying potential problems and correcting them before a crisis occurs. Residents of PSL communities already benefit from some of our built-in safety features:
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Grab bars in bathrooms and handrails in hallways
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Good lighting throughout the community and in resident apartments
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Single story living free from stairs
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Fitness programs to build core strength
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Barrier-free showers
But there are other hazards to be aware of to lower your risk of falling in your own apartment or in common areas of the community.
Tips for Residents to Lower the Risk of Falling
Here are a few suggestions that might help you avoid taking a fall:
Declutter rooms
Downsizing from a house to a senior living apartment or suite often requires residents to part with some of their belongings. That can be tough and might lead to your space being a little cluttered. Take an objective look around on your own or with a loved one and identify places where too many of your treasures might impede safe navigation of your apartment. This is especially important in the areas you walk through the most.
Use night-lights in pathways
While senior living communities like PSL typically have good lighting, getting up to use the bathroom or get a snack after dark might lead to problems. Make sure you have motion-activated night-lights in key areas around your apartment.
Evaluate closets and cabinets
Another tip is to look at how you’ve organized your cabinets and closets. Your goal should be to avoid using a step stool. Look through your bathroom cabinets and see if the products and linens you use daily are within easy reach. The same goes for your kitchen. Keep cookware, utensils, glasses, and dinnerware on lower shelves. Apply this same principle to bedroom and storage closets. Try to arrange your space so you won’t have to use your tiptoes or a stool to reach for items you need.
Pack away throw rugs
One of the most common fall hazards for people of all ages around the house is throw rugs. They can slide around when you step on them, bunch up, and flip over. Each of these can lead to a trip and fall accident and injury.
Invest in quality footwear
Having several pairs of sturdy nonskid shoes is another safety step that can help you avoid falling. Ask your doctor for suggestions on where to buy them locally if you aren’t sure. For online shoppers, specialty-footwear websites like OrthoFeet and Vionic might be good ones to explore.
Build core strength
Good balance is essential as we grow older. It helps lower the risk for falling. Ask the staff at your community what types of fitness classes are available. Let them know you’d like help building and maintaining core strength to improve your balance. They’ll likely know which activities will be helpful for you.
We hope this information helps you find ways to lower your personal risk for a fall. If you are interested in learning more, talk with the team at your community for more suggestions!