Unfortunately, falls in the home are quite common. In fact, according to the CDC, one in four older adults will fall each year.

This rate is much too high, and it can be easily lowered by implementing some easy, effective tips. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville highlights what you can do to avoid falls in your home!

What Should I Do If I Fall?

Falling can be the perfect storm of painful, embarrassing and shocking. Sometimes, if the pain is bad enough, you won’t be able to get up. If this is the case for you, it’s extremely important to know what to do next to be safe.

Once you fall at home, it more than doubles your chances of falling again. We’ve listed the steps you should take after falling below.

What to Do After a Fall

• Pause and take a few deep breaths. This will help you get over the shock of falling before you attempt to get up.
• Decide if you are injured. Getting up too fast or moving incorrectly can make an injury worse.
• If you think you can get up, roll onto your side, get on your knees, crawl to a sturdy chair or piece of furniture, lift yourself up and sit down.
• After you’ve gotten up, or even if you haven’t, call a loved one and let him or her know what happened. More than half of those that fall don’t tell anyone.

How Can I Keep Myself From Falling?

One of the best ways to prevent future falls is to limit clutter. Clutter in the floor greatly increases the risk of falling, so if you get something out or have any loose cords or wires in often-used walking paths, tidy them up.

We’ve listed some additional ways to prevent falls below.

Ways to Prevent Falls

• Secure throw rugs. Throw rugs are one of the biggest fall culprits, as they have a tendency to bunch up. While the safest option is not to use them, rugs are common in most homes. Consider putting rubber gripping under your rugs to make them safer.
• Improve lighting. A dimly lit home increases the chances of tripping and falling. Keeping the home too bright is also a problem because it may create a glare. A good rule of thumb is to keep the home well-lit but not overly lit.
• Wear footwear that has some grip. Slippery socks and slippers can cause falls, so consider wearing shoes or socks with rubber grips on the bottom to reduce your fall risk.
• Maintain an active lifestyle! Being sedentary will weaken your body and reduce flexibility, which can make you more susceptible to falls. Exercising consistently will greatly lower your fall-risk and help you reach optimal health.

We’re here for you now and always! Call for an appointment or stop by our AFC center today.