Falls happen, even to the best of us. Unfortunately, the older we get, the more likely we might experience a fall and injury from a fall. For older individuals, injuries from a fall, such as a broken bone, could quickly lead to more dire health problems. So, what can you do?
In this article, we outline how you can protect yourself or your family members and lower your risk (or your family member’s risk) of slips and falls. And the truth is most of these tips are ultra-simple to implement. So, let’s get to it.
Tip #1: De-Clutter
As we move through life, many of us tend to accumulate a ton of stuff. From magazine subscriptions to books and more, clutter can start to pile up. The problem? This clutter often creates the perfect tripping hazards, especially if it accumulates in hallways or stairwells.
The best course of action is to clean it up! This will help prevent falls and the injuries that may come with them.
Tip #2: Remove Tripping Hazards
Clutter isn’t the only thing that may cause an individual to slip or fall in their own home! Slippery rugs, loose carpet ends, or broken floorboards may also create the perfect situation for a fall to happen. Make sure you fix these right away, and don’t risk it.
Tip #3: Light Up Your Living Area
Keeping your home brightly lit can avoid the pitfalls of not seeing tripping hazards. This further extends to nighttime lighting. Consider night lamps in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms to avoid accidents happening in the dark. Ensure there isn’t anything blocking the path to the light switches in your home. Lastly, always turn on the lights before entering a room or going up or down the stairs.
Tip #4: Add Non-Slip Mats to Slippery Surfaces
Kitchens, showers, and bathrooms often have slippery surfaces, such as tiles. These surfaces are also most likely to get wet, making them even more slippery and increasing your chances of a fall. The best way to combat this is by getting non-slip mats and placing them in your kitchen, showers, bathtubs, and bathrooms.
Tip #5: Move Your Body
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your body agile and fit at any age. For older adults, this will also improve your balance and coordination, which may reduce your risk of falls or slips. Try strength training for muscle maintenance and growth, as well as daily walks and stretching to boost your mobility and flexibility.
Tip #6: Wear Appropriate Footwear
High heels or flip-flops can set the stage for a fall or slip to occur—as do slippery socks! Wearing grippy shoes in the home can help prevent slips from happening. It’s further important to wear the proper footwear for your selected activities.
Alternatively, you can also consider purchasing socks with grip on the bottom, especially if the idea of wearing shoes in your house doesn’t sound all that appealing!
Have you recently suffered an injury from a slip or fall? The Integrated Health & Injury Center team is here to help. As your go-to Atlanta, GA chiropractor, we can guide you when it comes to getting back to the activities you know and love. Contact us today to book your appointment.