Seven Tips to Help Prevent Falls at Home:

Unfortunately, one in every three Canadians more that 65-yers of age will experience a fall, along with common injuries, such as hip, wrist and pelvic fractures.  A serious fall, especially if you are a senior, can take away your sense of independence and affect your confidence in living your life to the fullest.

Follow these seven tips and precautions to avoid a fall at home:

  1. Reduce clutter around your house-Time for some spring cleaning.  Get rid of loose particles, such as rugs to prevent you from slipping or tripping in your home.  Reduce the clutter of unneeded furniture to help create a much safer environment.
  2. Ensure easy transfers in and out of the bath-Water on bath tiles can make them slippery.  Install grab bars and non-slip decals in your bathroom to help you get in and out of the tub, as an affordable addition to minimize your chances of slipping and falling.
  3. Wear non-slip footwear-Making sure your slippers have traction and are non-slip can help prevent you from falling in your home.
  4. Have your eyesight and hearing checked every year-Having your vision and hearing regularly checked is vital.  If your hearing or vision is impaired, you can miss important cues that help maintain your balance.
  5. Exercise regularly-Although it can be adaunting task, exercising to improve strength, coordination and balance to help prevent a fall at home
  6. Have your medications evaluated-If you visit multiple doctors, it is possible to end up with several prescriptions.  If you evaluate the medication you are on, you can decrease the risk of side effects.  This step may also help you keep your senses in check while keeping you balanced and upright.
  7. Have your strength and balanced tested-If your mobility level is low, you may also have poor balance, which puts you at a higher risk of falling.  Being mobile and continuing to improve your balance is vital to help prevent falls and injuries.  Visit a Chiropractor to test your strength and balance.  Using these tests and their clinical expertise, your Chiropractor can identify your weaknesses and recommend treatment to address them.