Most falls are not caused by one big thing. They are caused by several small ones stacking up: a medication that makes you lightheaded, a rug that slides, a dim hallway, legs that have gotten weaker over a quiet winter. The good news is that almost every one of those is fixable.
What raises the risk:
A fall in the past year — the single strongest warning sign Feeling unsteady when you stand up or walk Four or more medications, or any new medication Trouble with vision, or glasses that have not been checked in over a year Weakness getting out of a chair without using your arms Numbness or pain in the feet, or worn-out footwear Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night
The medication review to ask for: bring every bottle — prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, sleep aids — to your doctor or pharmacist in one bag and ask, "Could any of these be making me dizzy or unsteady?" Blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, and some allergy and bladder medicines are common culprits. Never stop a medication on your own; ask first.
A home safety walk-through:
Floors: remove throw rugs or tape them down. Clear cords and clutter out of walking paths. Stairs: a firm handrail on both sides if possible, and good light at the top and the bottom. Bathroom: grab bars beside the toilet and inside the tub — a towel bar is not a grab bar. A non-slip mat. A shower seat if standing tires you. Bedroom: a lamp you can reach without getting up, and a clear path to the bathroom. A night light in the hall. Kitchen: everyday items between waist and shoulder height so you are not on a step stool. Shoes: supportive shoes with backs and non-slip soles, worn indoors too. No loose slippers or stocking feet.
Keep your legs strong. Strength and balance are the best protection there is, and they come back at any age. Our chair yoga and aerobics classes are built for exactly this. Ask us what fits your ability — there is no wrong starting point.
The local program: Day Kimball Healthcare runs a fall prevention program for our area. Call them at (860) 928-6541, or call us at (860) 774-1243 and we will help you get connected.
If you do fall, tell someone — your doctor, your family, or us. A fall that gets mentioned usually leads to a fix. A fall that gets kept quiet usually leads to another one.
Ask us about the File of Life too — a free magnet packet for your refrigerator that tells paramedics your medications and conditions if you cannot.
Questions about this?
Call us at (860) 774-1243 — free, confidential, no appointment needed.