Do you want to lower the risk of falls at home, and have you noticed that you aren’t as stable on your feet as you once were?
Is this leaving you worried about the risk of injuring yourself after a fall at home?
You are not alone!
At Doylestown Sports Medicine Center, we treat lots of patients who don't feel stabile on there feet, and falling at home is a real concern for them – If they haven’t fell in the past themselves, they almost certainly have a partner, friend or relative who has.
In the United States, 1 in 3 people over 65 will fall or trip at least once a year leading to pain…
And that statistics rises to every 1 in 2 for people over 80 so falls are extremely common.
While falling at home doesn't always cause an injury, it can certainly wreck your confidence, and spark concerns about losing your independence in the near future.
If you don’t feel confident on your feet, this can lead to you avoiding certain activities like walking, exercising, or seeing your loved ones; becoming isolated, and because you are moving less, you are likely to lose more strength, balance and coordination which creates a vicious negative cycle.
To help you regain your confidence and prevent falls at home, the expert clinical team at Doylestown Sports Medicine Center have put together this blog post for you!
Is this leaving you worried about the risk of injuring yourself after a fall at home?
You are not alone!
At Doylestown Sports Medicine Center, we treat lots of patients who don't feel stabile on there feet, and falling at home is a real concern for them – If they haven’t fell in the past themselves, they almost certainly have a partner, friend or relative who has.
In the United States, 1 in 3 people over 65 will fall or trip at least once a year leading to pain…
And that statistics rises to every 1 in 2 for people over 80 so falls are extremely common.
While falling at home doesn't always cause an injury, it can certainly wreck your confidence, and spark concerns about losing your independence in the near future.
If you don’t feel confident on your feet, this can lead to you avoiding certain activities like walking, exercising, or seeing your loved ones; becoming isolated, and because you are moving less, you are likely to lose more strength, balance and coordination which creates a vicious negative cycle.
To help you regain your confidence and prevent falls at home, the expert clinical team at Doylestown Sports Medicine Center have put together this blog post for you!
What’s The Common Reasons for Falls At Home?
While falls aren’t exclusive to those aging, as we age we are more likely to have a fall because we may have:
- Muscle weakness
- Balance problems
- Loss of vision
- A long-term health condition which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness (such as heart disease, low blood pressure or dementia)
- Arthritis in their feet, specifically their big toe (which is crucial for balance)
A fall is also more likely to happen if:
- Floors are wet or slippery
- There is poor lighting in the room
- Rugs or carpets are loose, and not properly secured
- You reach above head height (such as getting something from a kitchen cabinet)
- You are walking downstairs
- You are rushing (when answering the door, or going to the toilet)
- You have been drinking alcohol (which affects coordination and can exaggerate the effects of some medicines)
10 Simply Ways To Prevent Falls At Home
There are some easy, and practical things that you can do to prevent falls at home, such as:
Using non-slip mats in the bathroom
Using non-slip mats in the bathroom
- Clean up spillages to prevent wet, slippery floors
- Make sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
- Remove clutter and loose rugs or carpets
- Don’t lift or move heavy cumbersome items alone
- Don’t wear loose fitting clothes that you could trip you up
- Wear shoes and slippers that are in good condition, have a good grip, and support your ankles
- Organize your home so you minimize the need to stretch, bend or reach for items (for example – avoid putting heavier items above head height or below hip height)
- Don't rush, slow down, plan ahead so you have time and don't have to hurry.
Bonus Tip: Keep Active
Firstly, everyday activities will enable you to maintain a certain level of balance and coordination, so it is important to do your best to remain active.
Even if you are struggling with your health, general activities like housework and walking can help. For those who are more physically able, consider taking up Pilates, Yoga, or Tai Chi as a fun way to stay active and build confidence.
There are also specific exercises which you can do at home, which will enable you to improve your balance, strength and coordination which will prevent falls at home.
Even if you are struggling with your health, general activities like housework and walking can help. For those who are more physically able, consider taking up Pilates, Yoga, or Tai Chi as a fun way to stay active and build confidence.
There are also specific exercises which you can do at home, which will enable you to improve your balance, strength and coordination which will prevent falls at home.
Free Physical Therapy Consultation
If you're in your 50's, 60's, or 70's and feel unstable on your feet from time to time or if you just know that your balance and stability isn't what it once was and you want to find out if we can help you...
Give us a call: (267) 294-8933
We have helped patients regain their confidence, become more active, and improved their balance and stability so they don’t have to rely on walking sticks.
Our team has a wealth of knowledge to share with you and can create tailor-made treatment plans which deal with your specific injuries or conditions, and help you get more active, pain-free and reduce the risk of falling at home.
If you aren’t sure whether we can help you, we offer FREE physical therapy consultations where you can speak to a member of our clinical staff.
In the consultation, we can discuss your specific problem, and we can give you some simple, jargon-free, personalized advice.
Give us a call: (267) 294-8933
We have helped patients regain their confidence, become more active, and improved their balance and stability so they don’t have to rely on walking sticks.
Our team has a wealth of knowledge to share with you and can create tailor-made treatment plans which deal with your specific injuries or conditions, and help you get more active, pain-free and reduce the risk of falling at home.
If you aren’t sure whether we can help you, we offer FREE physical therapy consultations where you can speak to a member of our clinical staff.
In the consultation, we can discuss your specific problem, and we can give you some simple, jargon-free, personalized advice.
Arrange Your FREE Physical Therapy Consultation
Or if you want to read more of our informative blogs, click the link below:
Click Here to Read More Of Our Physical Therapy Blogs
Read Our Blog – How to Avoid Lower Back Pain – 7 Tips to Help You Live with Freedom
Read Our Blog – The Benefits of Exercise As We Age- For People Who Want to Keep Active, Healthy, and Mobile
Or if you want to read more of our informative blogs, click the link below:
Click Here to Read More Of Our Physical Therapy Blogs
Read Our Blog – How to Avoid Lower Back Pain – 7 Tips to Help You Live with Freedom
Read Our Blog – The Benefits of Exercise As We Age- For People Who Want to Keep Active, Healthy, and Mobile
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