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Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability among the elderly, occurring to more than 25% of American seniors every year. Fortunately, there are many preventive care solutions that can help minimize this danger. If you want to avoid having to take a loved one to the emergency room, here are a few tips you should follow.

Do:

Install safety solutions.

There are many products that can easily be installed in homes to help seniors maintain stability and avoid falls. Some of the best include safety rails, shower seats, anti-slip bathroom mats, and ramps.

Reduce clutter.

Clutter in the home presents an unnecessary trip hazard. As such, you should make an effort to keep their indoor environment clean and free of common obstacles—such as boxes, loose rugs, and electrical cords.

Enhance lighting.

Even with excellent preventive care, people tend to experience some degree of vision loss as they get older. Since these issues can make it more difficult to see clearly in the dark, it’s smart to install extra lights to keep all areas of the home well-lit. For added convenience, talk to an electrician about making them motion-activated.

Don’t:

Ignore prescription warnings.

preventive careMany medications carry side effects that can increase the risk of falling—such as dizziness and fatigue. Any time a doctor prescribes something new, discuss these side effects and what alternatives might be available.

Avoid activity.

Slowing down is normal with age. However, becoming inactive can contribute to bone and muscle loss—problems that can increase the risk of falls and subsequent injury. Regular exercise should, therefore, be part of your preventive care routine. Activities such as yoga, swimming, and walking can all help keep the musculoskeletal system strong and flexible to prevent injuries.

Skip medical appointments.  

Routine check-ups may seem unnecessary if a patient feels healthy, but they can help detect subtle changes in the body. For example, diagnostic imaging can help identify bone loss due to osteoporosis, allowing doctors to prescribe medications to help improve skeletal health.

 

Santiam Hospital in Stayton, OR is a trusted health resource for the senior community of the Mid-Willamette Valley area. Composed of nine clinics, this provider offers comprehensive preventive care solutions to help deter, detect, and monitor complex medical issues—including those that may affect mobility. When injuries do occur, this center also offers emergency room care and orthopedic services to support rehabilitation. For more details on these services, visit this local health clinic online. To schedule an appointment, call a friendly associate at (503) 769-2175.

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