Page 4 - NBY News October 2020

Ten Tips to Help Seniors Lower Fall Risk

10 Tips to Help Seniors Lower Their 3. Seek help for balance 8. Use walking aids properly. Canes, videoconferencing. The caregiver can help
Fall Risk problems. Some falls are caused by walkers and other mobility devices help with that, too! “Seniors who might
Each year 3 million older adults seek disorders of the vestibular system, many older adults maintain their stability hesitate to be active gain an extra measure
treatment at the hospital after a fall. located in our inner ear, which is and avoid falls while walking. However, of confidence when a professional
More than 27,000 of them will die as a important for our sense of balance. it’s important to use these devices correctly. caregiver is at hand-a great way to break
result of their fall injuries, and many These disorders often can be treated. We A physical therapist or other professional the cycle of falls and fear,” says Dickstein.
more will experience disabilities that also can improve our balance abilities. can recommend an appropriate device, “Family, too, are more confident knowing
lead to a loss of independence. Falls are Ask your doctor about a balance class, make sure it is properly fitted, and train their loved one has help nearby.”
a major public health problem, reports with special exercises and activities such you in its safe use.
the Centers for Disease Control and as tai chi that actually improve 9. Avoid distracted walking. Many falls Right at Home created a Fall Prevention
Prevention (CDC). proprioception-our sense of position. happen when seniors aren’t fully aware of Guide to help family caregivers assess an
And while the effects of a fall can be The wrong shoes also can affect our their surroundings. Dickstein shared an older adult’s home for fall risks and to
life-changing and life-threatening for balance and stability, so have them interesting observation: “Today, the main make changes to reduce risk. Download
seniors, the fear of falling also is a properly fitted. culprit might be your smartphone. There’s a the guide at rightathome.net.
serious threat. “Sometimes after they’ve 4. Conduct a fall-prevention home stereotype of a young person walking along
fallen or have been told by their doctor inspection. The American Academy of while texting, even in intersections. But About Right at Home
that they are at high risk of falling, Orthopaedic Surgeons recently experts tell us older adults are doing it, too! Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers
older adults will decide it’s best to reminded seniors that it’s a great time to Even talking on the phone while walking in-home companion and personal care
avoid physical activity,” reports Doug give their homes a safety inspection- can distract us. Stop to make that call, or and assistance to seniors and disabled
Dickstein, President/Certified Senior because these days, we are likely wait until later.” adults who want to continue to live
Advisor (CSA) in Burbank. ”This leads spending most of our time at home! 10. Add home care to your fall prevention independently. Right at Home directly
to loss of stamina and muscle strength “Look around for hazards,” says strategy. For many families, hiring employs all caregiving staff, each of
... which, in turn, increases their fall risk Dickstein. “Remove clutter that could professional in-home care is a way to whom are thoroughly screened, trained,
all the more!” trip you up. Improve lighting achieve the above goals. Dickstein reports bonded and insured prior to entering a
Dickstein has found that sometimes throughout the house, and add grab bars that Right at Home caregivers remove client’s home. Right at Home is based in
families inadvertently play a part in in the bathroom and other key areas. clutter, supervise exercise, provide Burbank, California and services the
this downward cycle. They urge their And be sure there’s a clear path to walk transportation to healthcare appointments, entire Greater Los Angeles area, including
loved one to take it easy, always through the house.” pick up prescriptions, and provide all of the San Fernando Valley,
hovering and fretting. Instead, they 5. Have your medications appropriate care for seniors with Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the
should help their loved one reduce the reviewed. The drugs we take help us Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss. Antelope Valley. For details about Right
risk of fall injury. Fortunately, there are manage health conditions that raise our Today many fall prevention classes and at Home, www.rahlosangeles.com, or
science-based steps older adults can risk of falls. And yet, either alone or activities are taking place via call 818-956-5905 or by email at
take: combined with other drugs, many info@rahglendale.com.
prescription and over-the-counter
1. Talk to the doctor about your risk medications can cause dangerous side
factors. Do you have health conditions effects, such as dizziness, confusion and www.nbynews.com
such as arthritis, vision loss, drowsiness. Bring a list of all the
osteoporosis or memory loss which medications you take to your doctor or
raise the risk of falls? What can you do pharmacist and report any side effects Refreshed for the
to lower the risk? Be open with your when starting a new drug.
doctor about your fall history. The CDC 6. Have regular vision and hearing
reports half of seniors injured in a fall exams. Not surprisingly, vision loss is a Smart & Savvy Adult
don’t tell their doctor about it-but they top risk factor for falls. In some cases,
should. Falling just once doubles the vision can be improved with eyeglasses.
chance of falling again. Keeping quiet Keep your prescription up to date, and if
about it could mean missing out on you wear bifocals or progressive lenses,
some valuable fall prevention advice. ask your doctor if a second pair with
2. Get enough exercise, and the right single-vision lenses might be safer for Email Subscriptions Available
kind. Ask your doctor to “prescribe” an walking. Dickstein notes, “Our ears also
exercise program for you, which will provide a lot of important information Interactive & Informative
likely include activities to strengthen about the environment around us that
muscles, build endurance, increase can help us avoid falling, so if you have
flexibility and improve balance. There’s hearing aids, use them.” For Seniors, By Seniors, About Seniors
an exercise program for almost 7. Eat a fall-fighting diet. Getting the
everyone, no matter their abilities. right nutrients promotes muscle and
Gyms, senior centers and recreation bone strength. Calcium, protein and Check It Out!
centers offer senior exercise classes, vitamin D intake are particularly
though these days, exercises you can do important. Eating well also helps
at home may be more practical. maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your www.nbynews.com
Dancing, gardening and house cleaning doctor about an eating plan that’s right
also provide a workout. for you. Be frank about your alcohol
intake too. Drinking too much ups the
fall risk quite a bit.
4 October 2020