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YouCan’t Stop the Season, but You Can Prevent Falls

Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Falls Prevention Awareness DayIt’s the first day of fall — like it or not, the leaves will soon be changing and temperatures dropping. But this day has added significance, calling attention to a critical safety hazard in the home. Yes, the first day of fall marks Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which is well worth observing no matter what your feelings about the autumn season.

Fall-related injuries represent a leading cause of hospitalization in seniors. The best way to escape injury from a fall is to prevent falling altogether. Actually, many falls in the home can be prevented with a combination of awareness and preparation. Read on to discover what you can do to arm yourself against some of the greatest home fall risks.

Get Strong and Nimble

This year’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day theme is ‘Take a Stand to Prevent Falls.’ And although it may seem like a contrary statement, getting up and moving plays a big part in fall prevention. Regular activity and strength exercises can help your muscles stay limber, lending assurance to your movements as you go about daily activities. What’s more, it has been demonstrated that fear of falling can increase a person’s risk of falling. Thus, your best defense against falling is to keep up a normal routine; otherwise, the less you do, the less you’ll be capable of doing over time.

If coping with a chronic illness or recovery period is interfering with your ability to do tasks or movements that you could do previously, you might consider in-home physical therapy. Residential Home Health’s physical therapists work with patients to walk, sit, stand, transfer, and maneuver with safety and renewed confidence.

Be Prudent and Bright

While being able to do more (and with greater certainty) is one major element of fall prevention, an equally important area is recognizing and abolishing fall risks throughout your home. Removing tripping hazards, such as loose wires and slippery throw rugs, can help ensure that you keep your footing as you move about. For individuals with vision impairment, brightening your home lighting scheme can help visibility and fall prevention.

Residential Home Health occupational therapists can help with these hazards and more. Their thorough in-home assessments may uncover dangers that you hadn’t considered, and they can also help simplify everyday tasks by reorganizing for efficiency or using adaptive equipment.

Stay Aware and Prepare

Being aware of the possibility of falling and likely hazards in your home can go a long way toward fall prevention and preparedness. It’s important to know what factors contribute to your personal fall risk, such as a tremor or taking multiple medications. The expert clinicians of a Residential Home Health Care Team can help increase your awareness and safety in many different ways, from carefully reviewing your medications to helping you choose the right safety equipment for the kitchen and bathroom. They can also help you learn the proper way to get up from a fall, just in case. With a combination of information, action, and confidence, you’ll be equipped to practice safe fall prevention no matter what the season.

To determine whether you or your loved one might benefit from in-home therapy, nursing, or other home care services from Residential Home Health, call (888)930-WELL (9355) to discuss your specific situation with a Home Care Specialist today, or click here to take our 60-second, 15-question Home Care Assessment.

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