Slips, Trips and Falls

Over 1/3 of adults over the age of 65 living at home will have a fall at least one time per year with 50% of these falling more frequently.

The most common cause of injury related deaths with people aged over 75 are falls related. Falls in older woman are double of that for older men.
 

Reasons for falling and prevention

• Balance problems and Muscle weakness – try to exercise to improve your balance and strength.

• Poor vision – ensure that you have regular eye tests with your optician.

• Wet floors such as a bathroom – Mopping up spills to prevent floor being too slippy. Having non slip mats in the bathroom will assist you.

• Poor lighting – Have lots of light switches so you can see where you are going and especially on the stairs.

• Falling down the stairs- Making sure you have hand rails on both sides of the walls leading up the stairs.

• Rugs or flooring not secured properly – secure any loose flooring.

• Medication that makes you dizzy – Consult your GP is medication is making you dizzy.

• Poor footwear and walking in bad weather conditions such as snow and ice – Change to suitable and comfortable footwear.

• Tripping over objects – move any visible clutter from the floor, stairs and any areas where you pass regular.

• Falling when outside the house – Fit grab railing outside the house to help you get around any obstacle in your way e.g. stairs

• Too much alcohol – reduce or stop the amount of alcohol that you intake.

• Falling whilst in the bathroom/ toilet – Fit grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower and bath area.

• Trailing wires and cables – make sure that any wires or cables are safely hidden away.

• Reaching for objects or carrying objects that are too heavy – Always ask someone to help you with job that you may struggle to do alone. Ask a family member or a neighbour for assistance.