Painting the steps in your home and purchasing comfortable shoes and a bathroom stool can reduce seniors’ risk of falling. These and other tips were shared by doctors from Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) at their meetings. Web site.
The risk of falling, which threatens human health and life, increases in old age: Every year, approximately 27% of elderly people aged 65 and over fall, and approximately 10% of them are injured. At the same time, the person develops anxiety due to the fear of falling again.
To prevent this, seniors need to stay physically active, but they should stay away from treadmills and other exercise equipment where there is a high risk of losing balance. It is best to consult a physiotherapist to choose the most suitable type of exercise.
Nothing in the house should block the passage: it is worth removing cables, extension cords and carpets that may cause you to get stuck, and also make sure there is adequate lighting. In a private house, it may be useful to paint the steps of the stairs in contrasting tones: this will allow the elderly person to see where one step ends and the other begins. This technique is especially useful for those with visual impairment. You should also choose shoes that hug your feet, such as slippers and flip-flops.
In the kitchen, everything should be at eye level or on the lower shelves. It is also worth purchasing a stable stool or chair that a person can use when preparing meals: some older people are prone to falling after standing for long periods of time.
Special handrails are needed in showers, bathtubs and toilets so that the elderly person can stand up and sit down. Some people may prefer the raised toilet seat attachment. Non-slip mats will protect you from slipping. A special step may be useful to make it easier to jump over the edge of the tub. This or a special stool can also be used to take a shower while sitting.
Working in the garden can be facilitated by a special bench on which the elderly will not need to bend over to the ground. A cane or walker can protect you from falling while walking.
Some medications can cause dizziness. People who take them need to be especially careful.
“These tips are great for older people, but they’re not the only ones at increased risk of falling. Doctors have noted that people with cognitive impairment, dementia, arthritis, orthostatic hypertension and even neuropathy are also at risk of falling.”
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