When you are discharged from the hospital, you may need to make both yourself and your home ready for some changes. You may be taking medications that make you tired or dizzy. You also may be bedridden or may have to use a wheelchair, walker or cane. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your home for your return. This includes taking an inventory of your physical surroundings as well as checking your medications, maintaining or improving your strength and balance, and having your vision tested regularly.
The Danger of Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly one-third of older adults in the United States experience a fall each year. This is no laughing matter. About 1 out of 10 falls among older adults results in a serious injury (such as a hip fracture or head injury) that requires hospitalization. Recovery can take up to a year in a long-term care facility. Some people are never able to return to their homes. Even more startling is the fact that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. Fortunately, falls are preventable. But first, you need to learn to recognize the risks.
Are You at Risk?
Fall risk factors increase with age and are usually associated with certain health conditions. These risk factors include:
- Mobility problems due to muscle weakness or balance problems
- Chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and stroke
- Vision changes and/or vision loss
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Inactivity
- Medication side effects and/or interactions
- Alcohol use
- Home and environmental hazards (clutter, poor lighting, etc.)
- Incorrect size, type, or use of assistive devices like walkers, canes, crutches, etc.
Assess your own risk for falls with our Risk Assessment chart.
Fall-Proof Your Home
You can make your home safer without spending a lot of money: Remove throw rugs, make sure lamp cords are secured along walls and not across floors, and add grab bars in the bathroom. Keeping walkways and seating areas clear of clutter can help you know your home is safer. Find ways to make all parts of your home safer.
See Clearly
Sometimes reducing your risk of falling comes down to simply taking care of your eyes. As we age, many of us develop vision conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. These make it difficult to see clearly, which means you may bump into things, trip and fall. But with regular eye exams, problems can be diagnosed early and managed to minimize vision loss. So see an optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly and have your vision tested.