Falls become more common as we age. According to the Minnesota Council on Aging, one in four older adults falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injuries among older Americans. The CDC similarly reports that falls are the leading cause of injury and death among adults age 65 and older.
While no one can eliminate every possibility of a fall, there are practical ways to lower your risk. Small changes around your home can make it easier to move around safely, and paying attention to changes in your balance, mobility, vision, or medications can help you recognize when some extra support may be useful.
Many fall risks can be found in familiar places around the home. Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and items that require reaching or climbing can all make it harder to move around safely.
Take a look at the areas you use most often and consider where small changes could help. Keeping walkways clear, securing loose cords, and moving frequently used items within easy reach are good places to start. Uneven thresholds can be marked so they’re easier to see, and damaged or uneven flooring may need to be repaired.
Lighting matters, too, especially on stairs and along the path between the bedroom and bathroom at night. Nightlights and easy-to-reach light switches can make those areas easier to navigate.
In the bathroom, nonslip surfaces in the shower or tub can help reduce slipping. Depending on your needs, grab bars, a shower chair, or a raised toilet seat may provide additional stability. Handrails can also make stairs safer to use.
Changes in balance, strength, or the way you walk can affect your risk of falling. You may notice that you feel less steady getting up from a chair, have more difficulty using stairs, or reach for walls or furniture for support as you move around your home.
If you’re noticing changes like these, consider talking with your doctor or a physical therapist. They can help identify what may be affecting your mobility and recommend ways to help you move more safely. Exercises that build strength and improve balance may be helpful, and a physical therapist can help determine which activities are appropriate for you.
Physical therapy can support a larger goal: helping you continue living safely and independently at home. Claire Nash, a physical therapist with Vivie, sees that firsthand in her work with patients.
“Having physical therapy allows them to still maintain that independence and stay in their house longer,” she says. “It keeps them out of the hospital from falling or getting injured.”
A cane or walker may also provide additional support when it’s needed. If you already use one, using it consistently and making sure it’s properly adjusted for your height can help you get the intended support.
Fall risk can be affected by more than your surroundings and mobility. Changes in your health, medications, vision, or hearing can also play a role.
Some medications may cause side effects such as dizziness or fatigue. If you’ve noticed symptoms like these or have questions about how your medications might affect your balance, a doctor or pharmacist can review them with you.
Changes in vision or hearing can also make it harder to notice obstacles or safely navigate your surroundings. Regular vision and hearing exams can help identify changes that may affect how you move through your home and community.
Footwear is another simple consideration. Shoes that fit properly, fasten securely, and have nonslip soles can provide better stability.
Sometimes changes around the home are only part of the solution. If you’ve experienced a fall, feel increasingly unsteady, or are finding it harder to move safely through your daily routine, it may be helpful to talk with your health-care provider about what’s changed.
Home health care may be an option when changes in strength, balance, or mobility are making everyday activities more difficult. Physical and occupational therapists can help address mobility and safety needs in the place where you live, including identifying ways to make daily activities easier and safer.
Taking action early can help you continue doing the things that are important to you while reducing your risk of falling.
Vivie’s home health care team provides personalized support to help you stay safe and confident at home. They can work with you and your health-care provider to address mobility, strength, and other needs that may affect your daily life.