Decrease Your Chances of Falling

Causes of falling

Certain medical conditions can increase your chances of suffering a fall:

• Poor vision and/or hearing
• Dizziness, confusion
• Parkinson's Disease, stroke and other neurological conditions
• Medications side effects
• Difficulty walking due to other injuries, arthritis or loss of mobility due to normal aging
• Environmental conditions: cluttered living areas, poor lighting, area rugs, long cords, clothing and shoes that do not fit properly.

Preventing falls

These tips can help safeguard your environment and decrease your chances of suffering a fall:

• Know your surroundings. You may be comfortable at home, but when going out, take time to assess hallways, walkways, curbs, etc. Use guardrails, railings and other physical assists whenever possible.
• Learn the side effects of your medications.  Many medications can cause drowsiness or balance issues.
• Rise slowly from a lying position and sit up for a few minutes to give your body time to adjust.
• Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
• Wear your glasses or hearing aids and keep them clean and in good working order.
• Make sure that your walker or cane is the correct height.
• If you use a wheel chair, remember to lock the brakes when you get in and out of the chair.
• Keep hallways and floors clutter free.
• Have good lighting in hallways and walkways.
• Avoid use of area rugs or runners.
• Avoid use of long cords.
• Wear shoes that fit or slippers with a grip sole.
• Use stair rail on stairs or grab bars in bathroom.

Our medical equipment company, Henry Ford at Home, carries a large variety of items that can help aid mobility, increase stability and possibly decrease your chance of falling, such as canes, walkers and other assistive devices. The shop is located right on Main Street at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, across from Henry’s café.