Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. Recognizing the importance of addressing and preventing falls is key to promoting healthy aging. At HonorHealth, we are focused on enhancing the quality and longevity of life for every member of our community.
Ways to reduce your risk of falling:
- Speak with your primary care physician and build a plan that works best for your needs.
- Keep your primary care doctor updated on all medications you are taking.
- Exercise to help strengthen your bones and muscles, increasing your reaction time.
- Inspect your home for areas that pose fall hazards. Take steps to make changes if possible.
- Schedule annual eye exams to identify any vision problems that could lead to a fall.
- Get your feet examined. Conditions like neuropathy or circulation issues may cause falls.
Do you have any potential fall risks at home?
Every second of every day an older adult falls. Making sure your home is safe from potential hazards is a crucial step in preventing falls. Use the checklist below from the CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative to make sure your home is safe.
Check for the following:
- Is your floor free of clutter?
- Is it easy to walk around the furniture in your house?
- Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom well-lit?
- Are there grab bars near the toilet, the shower and the bathtub?
- If you have difficulty standing in the shower, do you use a shower seat?
- Do your bathmats have slip-resistant backing?
- Can you reach soap in the shower without bending down or turning too far around?
- Do you have a raised toilet seat if you have difficulty standing up and sitting down?
- Are cords pushed back against the wall?
- Are throw rugs/floor mats secure?
- Can you turn on a light without having to walk into a dark room?
HonorHealth Fall Prevention Program
Our program is focused on enhancing the quality and longevity of life. In collaboration with local agencies, we’re dedicated to spreading awareness and knowledge about fall prevention through community education.
The program works to:
- Identify an individual’s fall risk
- Promote awareness of potential falls
- Reduce risk factors
- Prevent new or future falls