Getting older can mean facing new challenges, but that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to them. Safe living is all about staying one step ahead and preparing for the inevitable changes your body is going to make. Falling at home can be a very serious accident, but also a very preventable one. Below we have compiled some easy to follow advice so you can avoid making a potentially life-changing accident.
Narrowing down on what you keep in your home can be critical when attempting to make it a safer place to live. Allowing a lot of odds and ends to build up in tight areas can subject you to the threat of tripping and falling over them. Avoid collecting too many items, and make sure you are actively disposing of or giving away the things that you are not using anymore.
Grab bars can save your life. They are easy to install and make the difference between hurting yourself and keeping your health. Grab bars keep you one step ahead of everything, and will always be there for you when you least expect you’ll need them.
As you get older, stairs become an increasingly difficult obstacle. Even if you feel confident in your balance, a slip up on the stairs can lead to serious injury and even death. Downsizing to a smaller, more manageable space leaves you with less square footage to navigate, and an easy walk into the bedroom at night.
Get in the habit of watching your step everywhere you go. Move slowly and precisely and make sure you are paying close attention to different elements on the floor. Try to walk close to the walls for extra support, and always stay within reach of a grab bar if you have them installed.
Slipping on a flat surface is always a possible especially if your balance isn’t as strong as it once was. The good news is, there are plenty of options for shoes that support safe and comfortable walking. Try wearing sneakers around instead of slippers or socks, and avoid walking about barefoot.
Going to weekly physical therapy can significantly improve your balance and help strengthen your leg and upper body muscles. We offer plenty of physical therapy classes that can change your life and make you more mobile. Call us today for a free consultation, and find out how seeing a physical therapist can benefit you.
Healing Hearts At Home is dedicated to the well-being and happiness of our valued patients. We pride ourselves on being Wyoming's only privately held, ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care) agency. Our talented team of passionate healthcare professionals is on call 24/7 and ready to assist you. We offer services such as nursing, physical therapy, CNA/ Home Health Aides, and occupational therapy. Healing Hearts At Home goes above and beyond for our patients. It is our mission to see that they can enhance their lives each day. Keeping your home a safe and happy place is a priority for us, and we are eager to learn how we can improve your life today.
This is a photo of a couple enjoying the benefits of fall prevention at home
