Fall Prevention: 5 Tips to Avoid Falls at Home
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, especially among older adults. While a simple misstep may seem minor, the consequences can be severe, leading to fractures, hospital stays, and loss of independence. Fortunately, fall prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk.
At OrthoNeuro, we understand the importance of maintaining mobility and independence. Our expert team, including physical therapists and occupational therapists, offers personalized care at multiple locations across Columbus, OH. Keep reading to learn how to prevent falls and protect yourself or a loved one from injury.
Why Do We Fall?
According to the National Institute of Aging, more than one in four people aged 65 years or older fall each year. Falls happen for many reasons, often due to a combination of risk factors such as muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, and environmental fall hazards. Some common causes include:
- Loss of balance and coordination – Natural aging and medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease can impact stability.
- Muscle weakness – A sedentary lifestyle can lead to decreased strength, making it harder to recover from a stumble.
- Vision impairments – Poor eyesight or conditions like glaucoma can make it difficult to see obstacles.
- Medication side effects – Some prescriptions cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing fall risk.
- Clutter and poor lighting – Objects in walkways, rugs without non-slip backing, and dim lighting contribute to falls at home.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward effective fall prevention strategies.
How to Assess Your Fall Risk
Before making changes, it’s important to determine your risk level. Ask yourself:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Do you feel unsteady while walking or standing?
- Do you rely on furniture for support when moving around?
- Have you experienced dizziness or lightheadedness?
- Do you take medications that affect balance or alertness?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may have a higher risk of falling. Consulting a physical therapist or occupational therapist can provide personalized recommendations to help you stay safe.
How to Prevent Falls
Preventing falls starts with making simple adjustments to your home and lifestyle. Here are five essential tips to keep you safe:
1. Improve Home Safety
Home safety can significantly cut the risk of falls. Home improvements could include the following:
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and near stairways.
- Use night lights to illuminate hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
- Remove clutter, loose rugs, and potential fall hazards like exposed cords.
- Ensure handrails on stairs are secure and easy to grip.
2. Stay Active
Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances coordination. Consider the following:
- Walking boosts balance and leg strength.
- Strength training exercises guided by a physical therapist.
- Stretching and flexibility workouts to maintain mobility.
3. Wear Proper Footwear
Shoes play a major role in stability. When choosing shoes, opt for the following:
- Non-slip soles to prevent slipping.
- Low-heeled, well-fitting shoes for better support.
- Avoiding flip-flops, socks on slippery floors, or overly worn-out shoes.
4. Use Assistive Devices If Needed
Using assistive devices can provide extra support when moving around. Talk to an occupational therapist about the following:
- Canes or walkers for added stability.
- Consider other assistive devices, such as stair lifts or bed rails.
5. Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups can help identify conditions that could increase your risk of a fall.
- Visit your doctor to review medications that may impact balance.
- Have your vision checked annually.
- Consider a fall risk assessment at OrthoNeuro to identify personal risk factors.
How to Reduce Your Fall Risk
Beyond prevention, ongoing management of risk factors can further reduce your chances of falling. Strategies include:
- Strengthening your core and lower body through exercises recommended by a physical therapist.
- Eating a balanced diet supports bone health and prevents fractures.
- Avoiding sudden movements that could cause dizziness or imbalance.
- Practicing mindfulness to stay aware of your surroundings.
If you or a loved one needs guidance, the specialists at OrthoNeuro can develop a personalized plan to keep you moving safely and confidently.
How to Fall Safely
Even with the best fall prevention measures, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to fall properly can reduce the risk of serious injury:
- Try to relax – Tensing up can make the impact worse.
- Protect your head – Tuck your chin and turn your head to the side.
- Bend your knees – Landing with bent knees helps absorb the shock.
- Roll with the fall – If possible, shift your weight to avoid a direct impact on one body part.
After a fall, always assess for injuries and seek medical attention if needed. If falls become frequent, an evaluation at OrthoNeuro can identify solutions to help prevent future incidents.
Stay Safe and Active with OrthoNeuro
Falls are a serious concern, but they don’t have to limit your independence. By implementing these fall prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk and stay safe at home.
At OrthoNeuro, our experienced team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and orthopedic specialists are here to help. We offer personalized care and fall risk assessments at multiple locations in Columbus, OH. Don’t wait until a fall happens—schedule an evaluation today and take the first step toward a safer future.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our website or call us today!
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention#steps-to-take-to-prevent-falls
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-fall-without-injury