Fall prevention and Geriatric Care for Falls in Dallas Fort Worth

If you are over 65, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Of course, some things can be done to help prevent falls among senior citizens.

You can install grab bars in your bathroom and even purchase a special bar for your shower. If you have stairs, it is equally important to ensure that they are sturdy and have an adequate handrail.

Ensuring that the home is free of items that can be tripped over can also help to prevent falls. Putting down rugs is not a good idea as they have been shown to increase the risk of falls.

You should also remove clutter from your floors or place it out of the way, so you do not trip over it. It is also a good idea to ensure that your furniture is sturdy and safe for use.

No matter what precautions you take at home, there is still a chance that you will fall. If this happens, let your doctor know as soon as possible to ensure that it is not a sign of something more serious.

With the right precautions and treatments, falls can be prevented, and your home can be kept safe from them.

How to prevent falls

Ensure that you take care of yourself by getting enough exercise and ensuring that your home is kept clean.

Always be aware of your surroundings to ensure that no objects can trip you up or cause you harm. If you happen to fall, make sure to seek medical attention right away, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

New treatments like the Emsculpt NEO platform can help you burn fat and build muscle quickly without surgery or medication. This can help to decrease your risk of falling.

Get rid of small rugs

Get rid of small rugs and clutter and ensure that all of your furniture is sturdy and free from obstacles.

Ensure that if you have stairs, they are stable, and there is a handrail to hold onto. If you find yourself falling, grab something sturdy like a chair or table leg to lessen the impact of the fall.

Falls can be prevented by taking precautions at home. Make sure that your home is free from clutter and tripping hazards.

Ensure your bathroom has a bar in the shower or tub to prevent falls while bathing. If you have stairs, make sure they are sturdy, and there is a handrail to hold onto if you begin to feel faint.

Manage electric cords properly

Electrical cords should be managed properly to avoid tripping over them. If you are wearing thick-soled shoes, your chances of falling are greater, so do not wear them in the house or when walking around outside.

Waterproof boots can help reduce this risk as well. It is also not a good idea to have electrical cords running across the floor. If you do, ensure that they are out of the way so you will not trip over them.

Keep your floors clear of clutter

Clutter and other items on the floor should be removed or kept in a place where it is safe for use, such as a closet.

Shoes and boots with rubber treads can also help prevent falls as they have a better grip on the surface. If you have stairs, ensure that there is a handrail to hold onto and sturdy stairs.

Ensuring your floors are clean and debris-free can also help prevent falls. Do not wear shoes or boots with rubber treads if you know you will be walking on slippery surfaces.

If you have stairs, ensure that they are sturdy and there is a handrail to hold onto in case you feel faint.

Keep a flashlight handy

If you do not have good lighting in your home, ensure that you keep a flashlight nearby to see clearly where objects are.

Ensure that all light bulbs are working correctly and change them if necessary. Do not wear clothes with dark colors or patterns on the floor as they can blend into the background making it more difficult for you to see what is ahead.

Keep often-used items easily reachable

Items like phones and first-aid kits should be kept easily accessible to grab them if needed. If the items are out of your reach, it will cause an inconvenience to have to climb onto chairs or tables to get them.

Ensure adequate lighting in the area where these items are being stored to see clearly.

Always get help if you think you need it

If you need assistance to get around, make sure that someone is there to assist you. A medical alert system should be available. Some elderly patients wear a lanyard with a device connected that can alert people for help.

Ensure that you speak to your doctor and discuss treatments and medications that can help.

Some medicines come with a warning not to drive or operate machinery as they can cause drowsiness. If you are concerned about the risks, talk with your doctor about it.

If you do fall, make sure to contact emergency services immediately. It is also important for you to get a check-up from the doctor as there could be something more serious going on.

Take care of your health by eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, make sure that you consume enough calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen your bones.

Eat right to stay healthy

A balanced diet is necessary to ensure you remain healthy. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Not only do these foods provide nutrients that help keep you strong, but they also contain antioxidants that help keep your bones and joints healthy and free from disease and illness.

How Prime MD Plus can help

If you’re an elderly person or a caregiver for someone who is, you know that falls can be a real problem.

They can cause serious injuries, and can even be fatal. But often, the underlying causes of falls are treatable – if only they could be properly identified.

That’s where Prime MD Plus comes in. Our board-certified geriatrician can help evaluate falls and treat the underlying causes.

We’ll work with you to develop a plan to reduce your risk of falling and to keep you safe and independent for as long as possible.

We will help connect you with all of the right specialists including a physical therapist to help reduce fall risk and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one stay safe.

Conclusion

Keeping your floors clear of clutter and rugs, and ensuring that furniture is sturdy and free from obstacles can help to prevent you from falling.

Taking care of yourself by getting enough exercise and keeping your home clean will also help to reduce the risk of fall-related accidents. If you do happen to fall, contact emergency services immediately.

Senior care with a medical professional can be helpful to determine the underlying cause of falls.

If you are looking to consult with a board-certified geriatric doctor in the Dallas-Fort Worth TX area about falls, fall risk, home care, or other elder care services, visit primemdplus.com.