We age, our reflexes slow down. We experience slight tremors especially with fine motor movement. Add to those decreased coordination and stability, and you get a recipe for falls. Why is it so important to prevent falls? I don't know about official studies, but I do know a lot of people who have been debilitated by falls, which even led to their passing on. It may seem scary. That is why we should prevent them from happening. Here are some measures that I think can reduce the incidence of falls:
1. Maintain a clutter-free environment. We can easily trip over clutter. Something so minor can lead to disastrous results. So clean that room, clean that hallway!
2. Avoid the stairs. If you live at a place with more than one floor, move to a room located on the first floor.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are unsure about your stability when getting up or walking, do not hesitate to ask for help from other people.
4. Orient yourself to your physical surroundings. Before going about your activities of daily living, first observe your surroundings. Is there anything I might trip over? Is the floor slippery at a certain section of the place?
5. Use a low bed. -So that falls from the bed won't be as hazardous.
6. Make sure that personal items are within easy reach. This is especially useful at night, when you might be tired and not thinking straight.
7. Maintain adequate lighting. Our night vision is not as good anymore. Recognize this fact. Make sure the lights are bright enough for you and within easy reach whenever you need to turn them on.
8. Secure the bathroom. I personally think the bathroom is the place we should be most careful about. Use non-slip bathroom mats. Make sure they are stuck securely to the floor. A grab bar should be installed in the shower and beside the commode. I also recommend a raised toilet seat to make it easier to sit on the toilet. A shower seat for use in the shower is also a good idea.
1. Maintain a clutter-free environment. We can easily trip over clutter. Something so minor can lead to disastrous results. So clean that room, clean that hallway!
2. Avoid the stairs. If you live at a place with more than one floor, move to a room located on the first floor.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are unsure about your stability when getting up or walking, do not hesitate to ask for help from other people.
4. Orient yourself to your physical surroundings. Before going about your activities of daily living, first observe your surroundings. Is there anything I might trip over? Is the floor slippery at a certain section of the place?
5. Use a low bed. -So that falls from the bed won't be as hazardous.
6. Make sure that personal items are within easy reach. This is especially useful at night, when you might be tired and not thinking straight.
7. Maintain adequate lighting. Our night vision is not as good anymore. Recognize this fact. Make sure the lights are bright enough for you and within easy reach whenever you need to turn them on.
8. Secure the bathroom. I personally think the bathroom is the place we should be most careful about. Use non-slip bathroom mats. Make sure they are stuck securely to the floor. A grab bar should be installed in the shower and beside the commode. I also recommend a raised toilet seat to make it easier to sit on the toilet. A shower seat for use in the shower is also a good idea.
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