NW Missouri Times

Falls are a significant cause of injury among older adults. As individuals age, physical changes and health conditions, along with medications used to treat these conditions, can increase the likelihood of falls. To mitigate this risk, several preventive measures can be adopted.

Scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider is crucial for discussing all current medications and supplements. A healthcare provider can assess these for side effects and interactions that may elevate fall risk.

Engaging in regular physical activity is beneficial for fall prevention. Gentle exercises like walking or water workouts help enhance strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, thereby reducing the risk of falls.

Wearing properly fitting shoes with sturdy, flat soles and nonskid surfaces is advised. Additionally, potential fall hazards at home should be minimized by maintaining clear walkways; securing loose rugs; repairing loose floorboards and carpeting promptly; using nonslip mats in bathrooms; and cleaning up spills immediately.

Ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home helps prevent tripping over hard-to-see objects. Night lights should be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. It's also important to turn on lights before navigating stairs.

For those who need them, assistive devices such as canes or walkers provide stability. Other helpful devices include handrails on stairways, raised toilet seats with armrests, grab bars in showers or bathtubs, and nonslip treads on bare-wood steps.

Further information on preventing falls is available from the National Institute on Aging at their website: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/falls-and-falls-prevention.

PHS offers local physical therapy services when recommended by a physician. Patients are encouraged to inform their doctors about their preference for PHS's quality care services. For inquiries or assistance, PHS can be contacted at 660-258-1191.