Fall Prevention for Seniors

One of the greatest concerns for older adults and their families is the risk of falling. A fall is not just an accident; it can lead to serious injuries, make it harder to move around, and even cause a person to feel afraid to continue their normal activities. The good news is that falling is not a regular part of the aging process. With a few straightforward and sensible steps, many falls can be prevented.

If you or a loved one is concerned about the risk of falling, or if you have recently experienced a fall, please get in touch with us. We can help assess your needs and connect you with personalized support. Call us at (406) 228-3500 or visit our online contact form today. Please remember, if someone is experiencing a medical emergency, you must call 911 immediately.

Taking a Closer Look: Health Factors That Affect Balance

Falls often occur when multiple risk factors converge. Many of these factors are related to health changes that come with age, but they can be managed with the proper care.

Medication Review and Side Effects

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or affect your balance and coordination. It's essential to discuss all the drugs and supplements you take with your doctor openly and honestly.

Actionable steps to consider:

Make a List: Bring an updated list of everything you take to every appointment.
Discuss Side Effects: Ask your provider if any of your medicines might cause dizziness or unsteadiness.
Avoid Rushing: Never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor; instead, discuss any adjustments with your doctor if you feel it's affecting your balance.

Vision, Hearing, and Foot Health

Our ability to see and hear clearly is essential for maintaining balance and noticing hazards. Poor vision makes it harder to see steps or clutter. Even minor foot pain or poorly fitting shoes can alter your gait, leading to unsteadiness.

Regular Check-ups: Get your eyes checked by a specialist at least once a year. Make sure to get accustomed to your new glasses before wearing them frequently.
Footwear: Wear sensible, sturdy shoes that fit well and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid walking in just socks, high heels, or floppy slippers.
Hearing loss can sometimes affect balance, so regular hearing checks are also crucial for maintaining balance and overall well-being.

Making Your Home a Safer Haven

Your home in Northeast Montana should be the safest place for you and your family. Many falls happen in familiar surroundings, often due to preventable hazards. Making a few simple, common-sense changes can significantly reduce the risk of a slip or trip.

Clear Pathways and Floor

Look around your home with "new eyes" and identify anything that could be a tripping hazard. Clutter is a significant contributor to falls.

Remove or Secure Rugs: Small throw rugs or area rugs with curled edges are easy to trip over. Either remove them entirely or secure them firmly to the floor using double-sided tape or a non-slip pad.
Clear Walkways: Remove any obstructions from your walking path, such as electrical cords, magazines, shoes, or small pieces of furniture.
Watch for Pets: Be aware of your pets' location when moving around the house.

Better Lighting and Accessible Items

Being unable to see clearly, especially at night, is a frequent cause of falls.

Light It Up: Install night lights in your bedroom, hallway, and bathroom. Ensure that light switches are easily accessible as you enter a room or at the top and bottom of stairs.
Keep Items Close: Store frequently used items—such as clothes, dishes, and groceries—where you can reach them without needing a step stool or bending over too far.
Use the Handrails: Always use handrails when going up or down stairs, and make sure handrails are secure on both sides of any stairway.

Strengthening Your Body to Prevent Falls

One of the most effective long-term strategies for fall prevention among seniors in Glasgow, MT, is maintaining a strong and flexible body. Physical activity, done safely and regularly, improves muscle strength, coordination, and, most importantly, balance.

The Power of Movement

Even if you have not been very active lately, it is never too late to start. Always consult your primary care provider before starting a new exercise regimen.

Focus on Balance and Strength: Exercises such as Tai Chi, gentle water workouts, or specialized balance training can make a significant difference. These activities help your body stay centered and aid in quick recovery if you start to lose your balance.
Simple Daily Exercises:
- Sit-to-Stand: Practice standing up slowly from a sturdy, armless chair without using your hands, then sitting back down. This strengthens your leg muscles.
- One-Leg Stand: With a counter or chair nearby for support, stand on one leg for a few seconds. Hold onto the support until you feel comfortable and stable.
- Heel-to-Toe Walk: While holding onto a counter, stroll, placing the heel of one foot right in front of the toes of the other, as if walking on a tightrope.

Rehabilitation Services: Personalized Support

If you have concerns about your balance or strength, our rehabilitation services team can provide specialized support. Our physical and occupational therapists are experts in movement and function. They can perform a comprehensive assessment of your strength and balance, and then create a personally tailored exercise program just for you. This approach is designed to help you regain confidence and maintain your ability to live a full and independent life in your home and community. You can learn more about how we support your well-being through rehabilitation services.

Your primary care provider can easily refer you to the Rehabilitation team to start a proactive fall prevention program. We are committed to giving our community members the tools they need to stay safe and active.

Start Your Fall Prevention Plan Today

Taking steps to prevent falls is a sign of being community-focused and proactive about your health. It demonstrates a commitment to remaining an active and trusted member of our community.

At Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, we offer Stepping On and SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) classes to help you remain active, increase fall prevention, and remain independent. We also offer home safety assessments to point out any potential fall risks and give them suggestions on how to alleviate those risks.

Don't wait until a fall happens. Call the EMS team at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital at (406) 228-3468 or (406) 228-3663 visit our Events C alendar to take the next step toward a safer, stronger you.