How to Prevent Falls & Injuries

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Did you know that September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month? According to the CDC, each year 37 million older adults experience falls, and 3 million ER visits are due to falls. The National Council on Aging offers a free online tool called Falls Free CheckUp that helps assess your risk of falling and offers resources to prevent accidents from occurring.

Want more information on fall prevention for seniors? Fountain View Village is here to help. Here are five simple ways you can start preventing falls and accidents today:

Design Your Home Thoughtfully

We spend a lot of time at home, which is why it is important to configure your house or apartment to minimize tripping hazards and actively prevent falls. This includes:

• Making sure your living space is clear of chords, clutter, and other tripping hazards.
• Securing rugs to the floor with non-slip pads or tape.
• Having adequate lighting, especially in accident-prone areas like the bathroom and stairwells. 
• Installing staircase handrails and easily accessible grab bars in the bathroom, especially near the toilet and shower.

Stay Alert of Your Surroundings

Whether you’re inside or outside, it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential tripping hazards. These include:

• Uneven sidewalks or pavement
• Protruding furniture legs
• Other people’s items that might be on the floor, like bags, purses, and shoes
• Slippery leaves, sticks, and puddles

Both in the home and outdoors, it’s also a good idea to wear footwear that provides ample traction. 

Strengthen Your Balance Through Exercise

Maintain your balance and keep yourself steady on your feet with simple exercises like this one:

• Stand next to or behind a stable chair (without wheels) and hold onto it for balance if needed.
• Shift your weight onto one leg, raising the other off the floor. 
• Balance on the one leg for several seconds, the alternative and repeat the exercise with the opposite side. 

For additional support, consider a functional and fashionable cane or walking stick. Many different styles and types are available to fit a wide range of aesthetics, and can actually be a handsome accessory to your outfit. 

Learn How to Fall ‘Correctly’

If despite preventative measures you do end up falling, here are some key ways to prevent or minimize injury:

• Land on a soft part of your body, like your bottom, to help cushion the fall. 
• To help minimize the impact and strain on your wrists, bend your elbows if you are catching yourself on your hands. You can also protect your joints by moving with the momentum of your fall, rather than trying to stop abruptly. 
• If you are falling forward, turn your head to the side to protect your face. If falling backward, tuck your chin to protect the back of your head.

Help Prevent Falls by Living in a Senior Living Community

Living in a senior living or retirement community can help prevent falls through:

• A minimized risk of ice, snow, and uneven sidewalks due to carefully and regularly tended outdoor spaces.
• Purposefully designed community and private spaces featuring wide walkways, elevators, and step-free entrances.
• Easily accessible classes to help maintain and strengthen your balance and muscles. Explore the wide range of clubs, classes, and activities offered at Fountain View Village, including our walking club, water aerobics class, and putting green. 

Enjoy A Care-Free Lifestyle at Fountain View Village

Maintain your independent lifestyle while enjoying a wide range of community amenities and a campus designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Reach out to learn more about Fountain View Village and discover your new home.