Page 29 - Seniors Today June2020

Actions to minimise the risk of a fall
Frequent falls may lead you to lose confidence in your ability to move and this can affect your sense
of independence. It is worth taking action to minimise the risk of a fall. These actions include:

Lighting Ensure you have enough lights in and around your home to make
navigation in darker areas and at night easier.
Furniture Move small items of furniture to keep the number of things you might
fall over to a minimum.
Rugs Limit the number of rugs in your home if they create an uneven floor
surface.
Stairs Choose accommodation with a minimum of stairs.
Rails and/or mats Install rails and/or non-slip mats near stairs and slippery surfaces such
as the bathroom floor.
Shoes Choose shoes that give you enough support and traction.
Medication Check whether your medications can affect balance because your
doctor may be able to find an alternative.
Vision Check your vision regularly to ensure your vision is correct or
corrected.
Medical check-up Have a regular check-up so your doctor can assess your bone strength
and how you are walking.
Balance and muscle Get advice from a physiotherapist or join a class at a local community
strengthening exercises health centre because:
muscle strengthening
balance training and
Tai Chi exercise
have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls
Walking aide If your doctor recommends a walking aide, use it as a preventative
measure so you avoid falls.

If you are falling because you are fainting as
a result of a disorder of your heart rhythm
you may need to be assessed and treated by
a heart specialist (cardiologist).
The use of hip protectors for the very frail
elderly may also reduce the incidence of hip
fracture although further research on their
use is needed.
If you need expert advice:
Physiotherapists can provide assistance
with aides for walking.
Occupational therapists or your
community health centre can advise you Tai chi and other exercises can help reduce the incidence
about making your home environment safer. of falls

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 29