How to Prevent Falls in the Community
Falls can happen anywhere. According to research, 60% of falls in adults over the age of 65 happen in the home, and 30% of falls happen in the community. Falls in the home are largely preventable, as the home is predictable and adaptable, however there are also steps you can take to reduce your fall risk while you are out in the community.
Tips for Preventing Falls Outside the Home:
Prevention is all about preparing for and preventing the “worst-case-scenario.” This means that we must learn to take certain precautions, even if we feel that we don’t need. I have been told by many seniors that they don’t want to use the handrail on the stairs, their cane, or their walker, because they “don’t need it.” This may actually be true. I have several clients who don’t need their cane for balance, or can walk up the stairs safely while not holding onto the handrail, but this doesn’t mean that it is not still a good idea to use it, as a precaution. Falls can be unpredictable, but the precautions that you take, are predictable and can prevent and/or significantly reduce your risk of falls. Here are some strategies to reduce your fall risk in the community and to maintain your independence with mobility.
Wear shoes with a solid back, and sturdy soles.
Carry a cell phone, in the event of a fall or emergency.
Slow down and look ahead when navigating crowed or unfamiliar areas.
Avoid uneven or slippery terrain.
Be mindful of curbs or walkways that have deceptive changes in height or angles.
Watch for cracks or holes in concrete or pavement.
Use handrails when navigating stairs, even if you feel you don’t need them for balance.
Ensure walkways and entryways are well-lit. Carry a flashlight on your keychain or purse.
Avoid carrying large, heavy, or awkward objects on surfaces that are uneven. Consider use of rolling carts.
What do I do if I Have Had a Fall?
Having a fall, significantly increases your risk of having a subsequent one. If you or a loved one have had a fall, here are some recommendations:
See a physical therapist complete a professional balance assessment to determine if balance is a factor that can be improved to reduce your risk of having another fall. They will be able to assist with improving your balance, posture, and walking gait, while also making recommendations on prevention strategies.
Let your primary care physician know. They can assist by ensuring that there are no medical factors that may contribute to your fall risk including medication side effects or drug interactions, fluctuations in lab values, or other complications.
Get an Annual Eye Exam. Have your eyes checked at least yearly, as your vision can have a dramatic impact on your balance.
You can also seek the assistance of an occupational therapist to complete a home safety assessment to educate on ways to reduce the risk of falls inside your home.
Next Steps:
Threshold Therapeutic, LLC offers both physical and occupational therapy services to meet your balance and mobility needs. Please contact us with any questions or for a consultation. Also, check out our articles on “Are Falls Preventable for Seniors” to learn more about fall prevention, “Aging in Place Home Safety Assessment Checklist” to learn about improving your safety in the home, and “What is the Difference between Physical and Occupational Therapy” to learn more about trained therapy professionals.
Resources:
Ganz, David A, Latham, Nancy K. Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. N England Journal of Medicine, 2020; 382:734-743
US Preventive Services Task Force. Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2018;319(16):1696–1704. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3097
