SOME PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT FALLS
By Karen Blanchette, Director of Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County
Last week we talked about falls and fall prevention. Today, let’s talk about some precautions to take to help prevent falls. Here’s a few precautions from seekwellness.com.
For safe walking in your home: keep “traffic lanes” free of clutter and obstacles, allow plenty of walking room; make sure all rooms have sufficient lighting; remove slippery scatter and throw rugs or use rubber pads to keep them in place; secure all carpet edges; wear shoes and slippers with non-slip soles that grip the floor; and consider using a cane to help maintain balance.
Make your trip to the bathroom in the night safe by: installing nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom; keeping a light within reach of the bed; and keeping a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
To help getting up from chairs safe: use sturdy chairs with armrests to help get up and sit down; and add firm foam pads to seats of chairs and sofas to help get up.
Make your rising from bed safe by: moving beds against the wall to prevent the bed from sliding away when getting up; replacing existing mattress with one thinner in width to lower bed height or thicker in width to raise bed height; and using a handrail to assist with getting up from bed.
Getting up from the commode will be easier if you consider an elevated toilet seat and grab bars to help sit down and get up.
A real safety hazard can be made safer for getting in and out of the bathtub or shower by: considering the use of a tub/shower chair and grab bars to help get in and out (remember that towel bars are not designed to be used as grab bars); and place a nonskid rubber mat or decals on the floor to prevent slipping.
Be safe in getting objects from kitchen cabinets and closet shelves by: storing everyday dishes and kitchen supplies within easy reach; consider keeping items no lower than waist level or no higher than shoulder height to avoid excessive bending, stooping or reaching; and if you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.
To safely walk up and down steps or stairs: don’t rush when climbing up or down stairs; take your time and look directly at each step; don’t carry large packages or baskets that obstruct your vision when going up or down stairs; watch where you are stepping when using stairs; place your foot firmly on the steps; don’t place items on stair steps, as it will create a hazard when going up or down the staircase; add hand rails to all steps and stairs; using hand rails to go up and down steps and stairs is easier and safer; and consider installing extra lighting at the top and bottom steps; many falls are due to not seeing steps properly.
A few simple steps of precaution can make all the difference in the world in preventing a nasty fall that could mean years of pain and suffering.
If you see yourself will less stamina and poor coordination, please consider joining us at the Friendship Center for one of our regularly scheduled activities -- low-impact exercises on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are exercises sitting in a chair that help improve circulation, coordination, and stamina.
We are open 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We offer socialization and various activities plus a noontime meal. Stop by or give us a call at 863-494-5965 to make an appointment to sign up.
Remember, together we can make DeSoto County a caring place to grow old.
Karen Blanchette is Director of Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County and can be reached at 863-494-5965.