When you think of the word ‘fall,’ many things come to mind: cooler weather, colorful leaves, fall festivals, and bonfires. However, for healthcare workers, the word ‘fall’ can be scary. According to the World Health Organization, ‘falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.’ Many factors increase the risk of falls as we age, including weakness, issues with blood pressure, balance problems, or deficits in cognition impacting overall safety awareness.
There are several ways to reduce the risk of falls:
- Keep your mind and body active.
- Have your eyes and hearing tested.
- Talk to your pharmacist about the side effects of your medications.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol.
- Stand up slowly; do not get up quickly.
- If a healthcare professional has recommended that you use an assistive device (walker, cane, wheelchair), make sure you are using them appropriately.
- Be careful or avoid walking on wet or icy surfaces.
- Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes; or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet.
- Always tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you have fallen since your last check-up, even if you are not hurt.
If you are concerned about a family member or yourself regarding falling, please visit National Institute on Aging (NIA) website to learn how to ‘fall-proof’ your home, what to do if you have a fall, and how to keep your bones strong to prevent falls: NIH Falls and Falls Prevention.
If you have elderly parents who have frequently fallen, feel free to reach out to Lake George. We have round-the-clock nursing staff to help our residents with daily activities and keep an eye on them. In addition, we review their medications in case falls are caused by side effects of medicines. We also provide therapy services to regain lost function and prevent the risk of future falls and injuries. At Lake George, the interdisciplinary team works together to keep your loved ones safe, well, and happy in the comfort of their home.