Fall Prevention for the Elderly

FALL PREVENTION FOR THE ELDERLY Falls: A Major Health Risk • Each year, 1 in 3 adults age 65+ falls •20-30% of falls cause moderate to severe injuries • Reduced mobility and brain injuries are possible Staying Steady: Tips for Reducing Falls 1 Choose Shoes Carefully Low heel Slip-resistant Comfortable • Good cushioning • Easy on/off 2 Clear Clutter Tuck electrical cords safely away Remove area rugs and bed skirts Keep the floor clutter-free NO 3 Maintain Fall-Proof Bathrooms Install shower grip bars Add non-slip strips/mats in and out of shower Raise toilet seat 4 Put Lighting within Reach Place a lamp on the bedside table Add nightlights Lengthen cords on pull-lights 5. Find Fall-Resistant Furniture Ensure there's ample room around furniture to walk Choose tall furniture for easy standing Use chairs with armrests for support 6. Store Smartly Don't store items too high or too low Keep frequently-used items within easy reach Never climb on a chair or stepladder-seek help instead Infographic provided by Carlton Senior Living Carlton Senior Living www.carltonseniorlivingca.com Sources: http://www.cde.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html http://www.stopfalls.org/ http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/falls-prevention/