Preventing Falls in the Home
Tips and Tricks to reduce falls in the home
As Physical Therapists, we are asked regularly what tips and tricks we know to keep people safe within their home. Here are our most common answers to help in preventing falls in the home.
– Reduce the amount of decorative throw rugs and clutter
– Avoid leaving objects on the stairs and avoid carrying items up and down the stairs
– Have electrical cords tucked against walls or behind furniture
– Implement night lights in the bathroom and hallways, and turn on the lights if getting up in the night
– Wear socks with grips on the bottom or stable tennis shoes
– Utilize non-skid mats in areas that may be wet, including the bathroom and the kitchen sink
– Clean spills immediately
How to safely perform balance exercises:
– Perform standing at a countertop with hands hovering over the counter for safety. Can also perform standing facing a corner of the wall so you’re able to balance yourself against both walls if needed.
– Have a sturdy chair placed behind you in case you need to sit down.
– Perform with a second person nearby for safety.
Balance Exercise Progressions: hold each of the following for 30 seconds
- Start with feet shoulder-width apart without the support of your hands
- Progress to feet together
- Progress to one foot slightly in front of the other foot
- Progress to one foot completely in front of the other in a heel–to–toe stance
If any of the above exercises were difficult for you, you may be at an increased risk for falls and would benefit from seeing a Physical Therapist.
How can a Physical Therapist help prevent falls in the home?
– A Physical Therapist can assist with identifying what specifically may be hindering your balance, can tailor balance exercises to address your deficits, and create a plan to prevent falls in the home.
– A Physical Therapist can also identify if further equipment is needed to prevent falls, such as a cane or walker, implementing grab bars in the bathroom, or suggesting the addition of railings at steps or ledges in the home.
Schedule your appointment today with a Physical Therapist who can help you improve your balance and allow you to prevent falls in your home.