6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk for Falls
- Make an appointment with the doctor:
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you fallen before?
- Could your health condition cause a fall?
- Keep moving:
- Start a general exercise program.
- Gentle exercise is okay to do.
3. Wear sensible shoes:
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- Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes since your size can change.
- Buy properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles.
- Avoid shoes with extra thick soles.
- Choose lace-up shoes instead of slip-ons, and keep laces tied.
- Select footwear with fabric fasteners if you have trouble tying laces.
- Remove home hazards:
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- Remove boxes,. Newspapers, electrical cords, and phone cords from walkways.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high traffic areas.
- Secure loose rug with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing.
- Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away.
- Store clothing, dishes, food and other household necessities within easy reach.
- Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.
- Use nonskid floor wax.
- Use nonslip mats in bathtub or shower.
- Light up your living space:
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- Place a lamp near your bed and within reach so that you can use it if you get up at night.
- Make clear paths to light switches that aren’t near room entrances. Consider installing glow-in-the- dark or illuminated switches.
- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs. This might require installing switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.
- Use assistive devices:
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- Grab bars mounted inside and just outside your shower or bathtub.
- A raised toilet seat or one with armrests to stabilize yourself.
- A sturdy plastic seat placed in your shower or tub so that you can sit down if you need to. Buy a hand held shower nozzle so that you can shower sitting down.
Co-Founder at Family First Home Companions
Jennifer Benjamin has a Masters degree in Business Administration, a graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is co-founder of Family First Home Companions .With a background in human resources and business management she helped to build a company that is founded on professionalism, integrity, compassion and know-how.
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
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