Letter to the Editor: Seniors at risk of falling

Dear Editor:

Older adults are at risk for falling, tripping and injuring themselves at home. One in four Americans aged 65 and over fall each year, mostly at home where people spend most of their time. When a fall occurs, other problems may follow. An injury, fracture or even a permanent disability may occur as a result of a fall. The month of September is designated as a time to bring awareness to the public of hazards that may contribute to falls.

Simple measures can be adopted to avoid falls and ensure your safety at home. One inexpensive measure is enhancing the lighting in your room, hallway and bathroom. Nightlights with motion sensors can be placed in the bedroom and bathroom for those late-night visits to the bathroom. The lighting will illuminate the pathway, which is important for those with vision impairment. Another tip is removing items such as shoes on the floor near the path used to leave your room or home. In addition, throw rugs or small area rugs are trip hazards that should be removed to prevent falls. These measures are easy to implement and will prevent harm while in your home.

As people age, they may need assistance getting into the bathtub or shower. Minimal modifications to your bathroom can be done to facilitate ease of entering and exiting the shower. Mounting grab bars on both sides of the shower allow an older person to come in and out of the shower with better stability than holding onto the wall. If using a walker, widening the pathway from one room to another by moving furniture or other objects will also provide a safer environment that prevent falls. Have a family member observe you walk in and around your home to assist in determining what items can be moved to provide a clear path.

Improving your balance and mobility should be considered when enhancing safety in your home and outside. Finding the right exercise program that enhances mobility, strength and flexibility can help prevent falls. Review your local community calendar to find classes for older adults such as Tai Chi or Yoga, which are slow movements that improve balance and muscle tone. Improvement in mobility and balance also reduces anxiety from thinking you might fall.

Adopting fall prevention measures will reduce the risk for a fall and keep you and your family safe at home. Talk to your physician and share your concerns about falling.

Silvia Hernandez
Downey

The author has been an RN for 35 years and is currently the Patient Safety Outcomes Coordinator at PIH Health Hospital in Downey.