Facts About Falls
- Every year, 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and over falls.
- Hip fracture is the most serious injury from a fall.
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of hospitalization among older adults.
Ways to Prevent Falls
- Exercise regularly
- Get regular vision tests
- Be careful when taking medications that affect coordination and balance
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid getting up too quickly after eating or lying down
- Use a cane or walker to help maintain balance
- Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes
- Have chairs at the proper height with sturdy arms
- Have good lighting and remove clutter along stairways and hallways
- Have stairways with handrails
- Make sure that rugs or carpets are firmly attached to the floor
- Put night-lights in bathrooms and bedrooms
- Use non-slip mats and grab bars in bathrooms
Download a home safety checklist at: http://www.cchrchealth.org/safety/
Reference: National Council on Aging