Above All, Don’t Fall

The greatest danger facing most seniors isn't cancer, or Covid, or scams.

It's falling.

 

Why? Because most people don't anticipate it.

Once a person falls and lands in the hospital, even if the hospital stay goes as well as could be expected and there are no adverse events, chances are good that their medication lists will expand.

With increased medication comes increased disorientation and a great risk of future falls. Many people can pinpoint a fall as the beginning of a decline that a loved one never recovered from.

When combined with other factors like cancer, depression, or dementia, a fall can be devastating, resulting in the inability to drive or remain living at home, and even cutting off relationships with family. As much as possible, it's imperative to be proactive in preventing falls.

"I can't get up!"

You can tell by the giggles that most people get a kick out of watching someone fall. The trouble starts when no one is there to see the fall, or when the fall hurts too bad to make it worth videoing.

There comes that point when a fall ceases to be clickbait and becomes a long story.

So how do you stay on the side of spectator and avoid becoming the long story?

You plan for it.

Very few people ever plan to fall--which is why so many do.

Here's how you can plan NOT to fall:

• Treat every wet spot on the floor like ice in one of the funny videos

• Dispose of every shoe with worn soles as if it's a slick banana peel

• Practice getting up and down from a fall position to strengthen those reflexes and muscles

Especially for individuals who live alone or spend a good part of their day by themselves, falling can prove tragic.

We'd love to help!

These ideas are just baby steps in fall prevention. We haven't even discussed specifics because each home is so different. Removing tripping hazards, installing bath mats, adding grab bars--there are so many other important steps you can take to prevent falls.

If you live alone or believe you are at risk of falling with far-reaching consequences, we'd like to offer you a free Safe Home Assessment. Our experienced professionals can give you personalized tips based on other people's mistakes to help you avoid common fall triggers.

To schedule your complimentary assessment, please call 615-522-5265. We'd love to save you a long story--and a longer recovery!