See the Doctor for an Exam

Make an appointment to get a full examination from your doctor. The purpose here is to determine if you have a condition that increases the risks of a fall.

Some cardiovascular issues, for example, can increase the chances of suddenly falling. The reason is that they can cause unsteadiness in the elderly who have had walking and balance problems in the past.

Other diseases that are risk factors are dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They can cause confusion, which can lead to poor judgment, and stiff muscles, all of which can increase the likelihood of a fall.

Your doctor will assess whether you have these or other physical changes that may affect your balance or way of walking and cause falls. Understanding what your risks are is the first step in preventing a fall.

Treat the Condition

If your doctor explains that you have a condition that increases your risk of falls, make sure you follow the treatment plan. Otherwise, you open yourself up to potentially injuring yourself by suddenly crashing to the floor or ground at home or elsewhere.

When you have discomfort while walking, it is important to tell your doctor. Only then can this professional help you determine if you would be likely to fall and what to do to prevent that from happening.

For example, the physician might suggest that you take certain medications to minimize symptoms such as dizziness that could lead to a fall. Your doctor will also know whether any medicines you take have side effects that increase your risks of falling. If so, they may suggest switching to alternative ones for your safety, especially if you live alone.

The doctor may also suggest physical exercise, which can improve balance, muscle strength, and flexibility to help safeguard against falls. Gentle movements for seniors can include walking and swimming. However, only start a new exercise regime once you have your doctor’s approval.

Use a Medical Alert System

While it is impossible to eliminate falls, you can get a medical alert system with a fall detection device to ensure that you get the help you need if this unfortunate event happens in the future. If you have fallen recently or at a high risk of doing so, then getting this type of system is an important consideration.

The automatic fall detection feature is available as an add-on for many of the best medical alert systems. When the system has auto fall detection, then the wearable device can sense if you fall and alerts operators at the associated emergency call center.

Fall detection technology adds extra protection in the case of a fall. If you cannot press the help button on your pendant or wristband, the tech can still detect you have fallen and send an alert to the call center, who will send the appropriate help to you.

When getting a medical alert system, it’s a good idea to ask the company whether their fall detection device is waterproof. If so, that means that you can wear it even in the shower or bath, which are two places where seniors are likely to fall.

In-Home Support

To help you avoid slips and falls, you can also seek personal care services. When you find it hard to bend or worry that you will fall again after recently doing so, cleaning the house can become an activity that you fear will cause injury.

In this case, housekeeping services could help you. Cleaning the house will not take a professional long.

Save yourself the worry of a fall too at the supermarket by getting groceries delivered to your home. Many stores offer this service, whereby they pick out the produce, meats, and other items that you order from the comfort of home.

Conclusions about Risks of Injury at Home

Taking precautions in the home can save you a serious injury because you are reducing your risk of falling. There are many ways to reduce the risks, including visiting the doctor, following their fall prevention plan, and using a medical alert system.

Personal support services, such as housekeeping, are another option. Stay safer at home and have peace of mind knowing that you are taking proper precautions as an older adult to help prevent falls.