Tips To Keep You On Your Feet As You Age

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Falls can be particularly dangerous for seniors and are so common that they have their own awareness week. Janet Scovel, BSN, RN, director of care management at Priority Health, joined News 8 to talk about fall prevention.

Scovel said one of the first steps in fall prevention is to start a conversation about falls and assess the risks around your home.

“Falls are preventable, so having that conversation about what you need to pay attention to in your home, any risks you have and how to mitigate those risks, is the very first step to understanding what your personal risk might be,” she said.

She added that common causes of falling include small pets, loose rugs, cords, poor lighting, lack of proper handrails in the bathroom or handrails on stairways, and noted that nightlights can be helpful in the bathroom or poorly lit areas around the home.

“Clear the walkways, clear the clutter… make sure there are clear paths in and around your home,” Scovel said.

One in four Americans falls each year, according to the CDC. Falls among older adults are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization.

“A fall often results in a serious injury such as a fracture or head injury,” Scovel said. “Those types of injury can cause a cascade effect, especially in people over 65.”

While the injury could linger, causing further loss of ability, it can also have negative psychological effects, causing someone to move less out of a fear of falling, and make that person more susceptible to future falls or injury from a fall.

Scovel reiterated the importance of talking about falls. Sometimes people are afraid of losing their independence if they admit to falling, she said.

“Don’t keep it a secret … tell someone,” she urged.

She noted some medications can increase fall risk, so talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. And talk to your loved ones about how they can help you create a safer environment to help prevent falls.

She also said staying active is important in maintaining strength and balance.

Scovel mentioned the following resources to seniors who need more help or information: Michigan 211, Senior Neighbors and the Area Agency on Aging.