What do you do to prevent falls?

@sueinmn I use slip on socks with slip proof soles on the bottom around house. No more slips and stumbles. I buy in quantity a week or more and have on hand. No shoes in house.

*remove all throw rugs, tripping hazard
*grab bars set up in the bathroom, get a free home safety assessment from an inhome care company or one that does home modifications like chair lifts - its FREE

*Use a walker if you're a fall risk, if slight fall risk, use a cane

*Never wear your reader's while walking, could disorient you and you could fall

*Don't have any cords, objects on the floor where you walk.

*if possible, remove all carpet and have hardwood (or laminate etc), safer for walkers etc.

Get the free Home Safety Assessment!

I used to own an inhome care company, love helping to keep our seniors safe. Heck, I guess im one now since im 62 😉

As I go up or down stairs, I count my steps. This keeps my mind totally on what I'm doing. Even just walking, I count steps.

@wendy517

I fell 5 years ago while walking the dog. She’s a lab, so a larger dog. She saw something that I didn’t and lunged. I held onto her leash and twisted and fell. Broke a hip. I learned to walk again without a walker but now, I use a walker a lot and someone else walks my dog.
Yes, she’s still with me. Not her fault. She was acting like a dog. I wasn’t paying attention.

I fell walking my dog years ago—not her fault either. But it does bring up the point that pets can also get under your feet in the house—especially small ones that are sometimes hard to notice. Just extra caution, I guess. Can’t send them away.

Some years ago I was given an electric throw blanket by a daughter. I'd get up, leave the blanket on the chair, and when I walked away, I'd often find the cord across an ankle. If the cord could be fixed permanently at the side of a comfortable chair, it might be okay, but I consider these throws to be hazardous.

@methel
I'm really glad you're able to keep you pup and have help with walking him ♥️ Very sorry you broke your hip, sounds like you are strong at heart and body and good for you using a walker to help prevent falls. A fall is what killed my father, hit his head and 2 days later he was gone. Protect from falls like that 🙏

Be well and pet your pup for me ❤️

Wendy

Our Physical Therapist said to practice standing on one leg and switching legs. Build up the time you stand on one leg gradually and stand near a wall/table so you can catch yourself if you lose balance.

@hicopd Strengthening your core and leg muscles is the best way to help your body avoid falls. Lunges and squats etc if you can do them I do them 3x per week in a gym class. Core work like yoga and pilates is excellent. Standing on one foot is hard for most people over 65 as well as those of us with neuropathy. I don't believe that it is really an exercise that is helpful. I work out 5 days a week and balance exercises are never that helpful. It is a measure of your balance ability but it doesn't do anything to protect you from falls or recovering from tripping (which we all do). Daily vigilance of your environment and movement can make a difference along with body strengthening.

When buying a shower chair look for one that sits in the tub and goes over the side. That way you can sit down and slide over, you don't have to step over the side of the tub.