6 Senior Safety Tips for Fall and Accident Prevention

As we get older, our bodies change and don’t bounce back quite how they used to. Sleeping just a little bit different can leave your back and neck aching for days. But another common concern for older adults is falling, with one out of four in the United States suffering a fall each year.  A fall could leave you with a broken bone, which could lead to more serious complications and even long-term disability. When it comes to senior safety, prevention is often the best course of action.

What you can do to avoid falls

While falls are a common concern for seniors, there are plenty of ways you can prevent them. 

Stay Active

Regular physical activity helps you maintain muscle mass, flexibility, and balance. Exercises like yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, and Pilates are all good options to help you stay limber and active.

Review your medications

If you notice yourself getting a bit dizzy or lightheaded, which could lead to a fall, it could be your medications. Many medications have side effects that can make a person dizzy or sleepy. Some medications may interact with each other to create side effects not listed on the individual labels. Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, including any over-the-counter supplements, to see if there are any that could increase your risk of falling. 

Get your eyes checked

As we age, sometimes our eyes don’t work quite as well as they used to. Cataracts and glaucoma can limit your vision. If you’re not able to see clearly, the risk of tripping on an unseen hazard increases. 

Be aware of the weather

Rain and snow can have a big impact on the ground outside. It can create slippery surfaces that are easy to lose your balance on. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear for the weather, and even consider rescheduling plans if ice is in the forecast. 

Use an assistive device

There are plenty of mobility aids for seniors that make getting around easier. Canes, walkers, and motorized scooters can help you stay independent when going on errands or even around the house. They offer steady support to keep you balanced. Talk to your medical professional if you think this might be a good fit for you. 

Assess your home for hazards

There are a lot of simple changes you can make right in your home that can help prevent falls. Check rugs and carpet to make sure they are flat and the corners won’t come up easily. Create easy to navigate paths through furniture with more straight lines between commonly used spaces. Install bath aids for the elderly, such as grab bars or shower seats, in the bath and shower, which is a common space for falls in the home. Consider investing in a safety alert for seniors, so if you do have a fall or other accident, help is just the push of a button away. 

Reduce the risk of falls with senior living

All of the tips above can be easily accomplished by moving to a senior living community. FellowshipLIFE’s communities offer great floorplans that are easy to navigate and can be decorated, safely, in your style. We also offer onsite fitness options, medical services, and caring staff that help keep you active and healthy. And if you ever need more assistance, our full continuum of care means you can receive everything you need on the same campus. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your retirement years even better.