Falls Prevention Awareness Day

September 22 marks the first day of fall as well as the ninth annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This event brings awareness to the impact of falls and how to prevent fall-related injuries among aging adults.

Currently, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for aging adults in America. Falls are a safety concern for seniors that threaten their independence and create huge costs. But despite popular belief, falling is not a natural or unavoidable aspect of aging. Through education about everyday lifestyle adjustments, the number of falls among senior citizens can be greatly reduced.

Check out these tips to help your loved one avoid a hazardous fall:

Have a talk about falling.
Ask if they’re worried about falling. If they have concerns about dizziness or balance, suggest they talk about it with their doctor, pharmacist, and any other healthcare provider who can suggest programs or services that may help.

Talk about their health management.
It’s important to talk to your loved one about their current health conditions and find out if they’re having more trouble than usual in any way. They may be struggling to remember to take their medicine, or feel increasingly weak and tired. Offer to learn more about wellness benefits under Medicare, and again suggest they talk to their doctor about any concerns.

Ask about their eyes.
If they wear glasses, it’s important to make sure they have a current prescription. Transitions lenses, while popular, aren’t recommended for aging adults as they can be hazardous when going from bright sun into dark buildings or homes. Bifocals can also cause problems on stairs and require extra caution.

Take note of their strength and balance.
Are they needing to hold onto furniture or others to get around without stumbling? Do they seem wobbly on their feet? They may need assistance from a cane, walker, or even a physical therapist.

Talk about their medications.
Some medications can cause forgetfulness or lightheadedness–especially in seniors. Encourage them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about their prescriptions, and methods to help them take their meds on time.

Complete a walk-through safety assessment.
It’s important to help make your loved one’s home as safe as it can be. Make sure you consider adequate lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and foot of any stairs. There should also be two rails secured on all stairs. Inside their bathrooms, they should have grab bars installed in the tub and/or shower as well as near the toilet.

If you have any questions about making a home safe for aging adults and avoiding common risks of a fall, visit The Prescription Shop to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists!