Fall Prevention Made Simple

If you have fallen lately, you are not alone. 

There are more than 11 million people over the age of 65 fall every year who fall -- that's 1 of every 3. With videos like "Scarlet Took a Tumble" going viral on youtube, a fall might not seem like anything too serious. However, countless times as a nurse I see broken bones, internal bleeding and death, due to a fall. 

There are a handful of things that can be done to prevent a fall. 

First step: Walk

The first step to fall prevention is to perform an assessment by walking the living space to see if you can fluidly go from room to room and from furniture to furniture. Do you have to navigate between furniture or avoid bulky shelves? Are there unmarked steps that have no side-rail? Is the lighting dim or the switch hard to find? All of the above are hazards. You may know that they are there, but when the going gets...well, going, these things can easily be missed. 

Step two: Plan

Brainstorm what can be done to reduce these hazards. Often, the simplest answer is the best answer. Instead of considering how to sell the bulky furniture, simply think how it came be arranged to where the legs are not within a high traffic walking area. Instead of throwing out flowerpots, simply put them on tables or shelves. A solid plan of action will make for easier implementation.

Step three: Do

 Time to put your plans to action. Remove rugs, add a rubber mat to the bathtub, install ramps or handlebars and railings, and arrange furniture. 

Step Four: Evaluate 

Make sure the changes fit the lifestyle and reducing the risk of falls. Do another walk through and assess your changes. Ask someone else for a second opinion. This process of evaluating is continuous, as needs change and new norms are established. 

This plan of action for fall prevention can be applied to any location: home, hotel, hospital room, assisted living community, etc. Take advantage of these basic tips and prevent falls today. 

This post is in honor of my Aunt Sunny who passed away Sunday, December 2nd, 2013 after a fall. Her sunny spirit lives on in my family's memories. 

Join me Monday, December 9th, on Twitter to chat more about how to fall-proof the living space of your loved one. The TweetChat starts at 4pmPT/7pmET at #Nurseup. See you there! 

Below are a list of changes from HipProtector.com: 

Bathroom

Grab bars to get into and out of the tub

Use a bath chair or stool in the shower

Don't use throw rugs or wax on the bathroom floor

Use a raised toilet seat with arm rails

Buy soap on a rope, or put a bar of soap in a nylon stocking with one end tied to a towel bar

Bedroom

Never get up in the dark - make sure the room is well lit

Keep light switch close to bed 

Avoid slippery socks or slippers

Consider using a Bed Transfer Handle or Bed Security Rail

Hide all loose extension cords

Use carpets and rugs with skid-proof backing or tacked to the floor

Kitchen

Use a long-handled sponge/mop to wipe up spills

Keep your floors smooth but not slippery

Store your often-used supplies in easy-to-reach cabinets

Avoid hard-to-reach wall phones; consider a cordless phone that can be carried from room to room, or a counter model

Around the House

To be safer, consider using a Medical Alarm / PERS System

Stairwells should be well lit; consider nightlights for hallways and bathrooms

Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes with nonskid soles;

Don't walk around in socks, slippers, or stockings on bare floors

Keep rooms and hallways free of clutter

Make sure carpets, including those on stairs, have skidproof backing or are tacked to the floor