There can be multifactorial reasons for some one falling. Common causes can be;
- Chronic Health Conditions
- Impairments of vision
- Conditions that affect balance
- Poor muscle strength
- Not eating and drinking regularly
- Not taking or reacting to medication.
Let’s consider what we can do to help prevent accidental falling at home! Here are some tips
- Try not to have mats on your floors at home. If you really want to keep a mat, then make sure it is the non-slip kind.
- Make sure items are easily reached and if something is out of reach then ask for help
- Make sure areas are free of clutter so you don’t trip over
- Make sure any spillages are mopped up, avoid wet floors.
- Get up from your bed or chair slowly and avoid sudden turning
- Scan ahead when you walk so your brain and body has chance to react to an obstacle.
- Consider having rails or aids and adaptions if you are finding certain activities in the home difficult
- Keep up with regular Health checks and discuss with your GP or appropriate health professional any concerns
- Have regular vision checks
- Keep fit and active
- Make sure you wear sensible shoes
- Pain management - Do not rush and allow plenty of time to get to the toilet. If you suffer with incontinence, wearing pads can help.
Remember: Prevention is better than Cure.
It is important to spend some quality time helping yourself, friends, family and colleagues to ensure we help to prevent falls and therefore increase well-being. If however, you do find yourself having to deal with the after-effects of a fall, Community Physio Ltd. can help with your speedy and full recovery.