What YOU Can Do to Prevent Falls

Overview of effects of falls 4 steps to prevent falls

Approximately 9,600 Louisianans are hospitalized for fall-related injuries. Falls account for 36% of all injury hospitalizations. Every year 150 Louisianans die as a result of a fall injury.

Injury hospitalization – hip fractures, broken bones, traumatic brain injury Nursing-home admission Disability Death

Age 76, healthy & active – fell down stairs Broke her left femur in 3 places Hospital admission Nursing-home admission Home-health care Multi-year recovery Daily physical therapy exercises – 4 years post-fall.

Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chance of falling. Exercise makes you stronger & helps you feel better

Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like Tai Chi are most helpful. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

Have your doctor or pharmacist review all of the medicines you take – including over the counter meds Some medicines or combinations of medicines can cause you to fall by making you sleepy or dizzy

Have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist or optometrist once a year You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Remove small throw rugs or use double- sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.

Remove things you can trip over like papers, books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.

Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.

Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.