Tips for Preventing Falls

Staying Safe Means Staying on Your Feet

Accidental falls can lead to serious health complications, including disability, depression, and death, particularly among older Americans. The numbers are sobering: emergency rooms report over 2.5 million visits due to fall-related injuries every year, including almost three-quarters of a million hospitalizations and nearly 22,000 fatalities. For the majority who recover, rehabilitation can be costly and time-consuming.

That’s why the best medicine for falls is avoiding them altogether. Take these steps to lessen the likelihood of an unexpected spill:

• Enroll in an age-appropriate exercise program to enhance your strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Fall-proof your home by removing potential tripping hazards, installing grab bars, and removing obstacles around stairs.
• Care for your eyes and ears with regular vision and hearing checkups. 
• Enlist family aid for physically challenging projects.

Healthcare providers can also help you avoid a fall. Ask your physician to assess your level of risk and whether the medications you’re taking add to it. If you require help getting up or moving around while being treated at a Baptist Health facility, be sure to ask someone to assist you.

Preventing falls is a safety priority, especially for seniors. When it comes to good health, the last thing you want is to be swept off your feet.