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Fall Prevention- Practical Advice on How to Reduce the Incidence of Falls

ReplySafety for the Elderly and the DisabledNovember 21st, 2009Cheryl Weisz

In my previous article, I focused on how medical organizations from around the world try to reduce harm from falls in their own facilities on a macro level. Now I am going to delve on more practical advice on how to reduce the incidence of falls within our homes or workplace.

Risk assessment provides a useful framework when tackling accidents caused by trips, slips and falls. Here is a five-step approach for this:

1. Look out for anything that may cause an accident. It could be objects lying around the floor like toys or rubbish; a wet floor; or basically, the proverbial banana peel that can cause people to slip.

2. Identify and decide who is at risk. It could be young children, the handicapped, or the elderly.

3. Take preventive measures, like doing repairs or renovations, making sure the area is regularly cleaned and cleared of any obstruction.

4. Keep a record of what you have changed. Now this one is a bit of a stretch to expect at home, but for commercial establishments and public places, it is certainly necessary.

5. Continually monitor your living space or work area. This is more of a continuation of the first 4 steps. It wouldn’t be effective if you just stop at recording and don’t follow through, so there has to be constant monitoring.

Now here are more practical tips to prevent the incidence of falls:

- Keep pathways clear. Arrange your furniture in a way that it allows easy movement, and not serve as an obstruction. Clean pathways and remove any unnecessary clutter, like boxes, telephone cords, and loose wires from high-traffic areas. Make pathways that are wide enough for plenty of people to use, to avoid possible collision.

- Provide ample light. Make sure areas like hallways and stairways are well lit. Have rechargeable emergency lights and flashlights handy in case of power outages.

- Safeguard stairways. Keep stairways in good repair. Make sure all stairways have sturdy railings and that steps have a non-skid surface.

- Secure rugs and flooring. Secure loose rugs and carpets with tacks or a slip-resistant backing. Repair frayed carpet and loose floorboards. Avoid small throw rugs as much as possible.

- Keep your bathroom safe. Install grab bars in your shower or bath and near your toilet. Use non-skid mats in the shower or bath.

- Keep necessities handy. Store supplies, clothing, dishes, food, and other everyday items within easy reach.

You can improve your general well-being, and help reduce the risk of trips and falls by keeping yourself active and healthy. A good way to make your muscles stronger and to improve your balance is to have a regular exercise and a proper diet. You do not have to go to the gym to remain active. Simple tasks, like gardening, regular house work, and walking can boost energy levels and improve coordination and balance.

Exercise is very important for older people since they are more prone to falling.

*** For all your disability equipment needs, visit www.doability.co.uk.

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