Preventing falls for seniors
People can fall at any stage of life but as we age, the risks are increased due to a number of factors.
The good news is, there are things we can do to reduce those risks and keep us safe around the home and in the community.
There are several reasons you may be more likely to fall. These may include:
Unfamiliar surroundings
Feeling unwell
Medication
Unsteadiness on your feet
Medical conditions
Hearing difficulties
Poor eyesight or lighting
Frailty, deconditioning and impaired mobility
There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falls. If you remain mindful and vigilant, most falls can be avoided. Here are some things to remember and ways Feros Care can assist you:
1. Familiarise yourself with your surroundings
Ensure you pay close attention to your environment and take note of any uneven surfaces or lips on doorways. Feros Care can also support you by arranging an assessment of your home and recommending mobility aids or home modifications that may
make you, and your home, safer.
Many falls happen in the dark. With our Smart Home Modifications service, we can help by installing lighting that automatically turns on when it senses you or by the sound of your voice so that you don’t have to go searching for a switch
in the dark.
3. Wear appropriate footwear and aids such as hearing aids or glasses
While slippers are comfortable, they aren’t always safe. It is important to wear well fitted, non-slip shoes or slippers. Feros Care can arrange a podiatrist assessment or recommend appropriate, comfortable footwear that will help reduce
your risk of falls at home and in the community. We can also take you shopping to purchase shoes should you need some extra assistance.
To help prevent falls it is also important to always wear any hearing or visual aids you may need. If you require a hearing or eye test, or a trip to purchase aids, we can organise that for you too!
Sometimes your mix and doses of medication can cause light-headedness, dizzy spells or weakness in the legs. It is important to visit your GP and have your medication reviewed regularly. Should you require it, Feros Care can transport and accompany
you to medical appointments.
5. Gentle exercise
Sometimes people stop being active because they are afraid of falling, but this can have the reverse affect and increase your risk of falls as your body becomes frailer.
Even if you can no longer partake in the level of activity you once did, a gentle walk or ‘Tai Chair’ class online through the Feros Care Virtual Social Centre is beneficial and can help maintain your strength and balance.
At Feros Care we can also arrange visits from an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist to create a personalised program for you.
Sometimes, no matter how prepared we are, life can throw us a curve ball. To ensure help is always available, Feros Care has a range of personal alarms that connects you to an emergency contact centre any time of the day or night.
Discreet and lightweight, these alarms can be worn around your neck or wrist and can be activated from anywhere in your home and up to 250 metres outside, giving you peace of mind and a safety net.
Looking for extra support?
1300 090 256.
