Top 5 Tips to Prevent Falls

By implementing these top 5 tips, you can help avoid falls in and around the home.

1. Begin a regular exercise program. Exercises should focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance and should get more challenging over time. A great exercise program to try is Tai Chi.
2. Have your doctor and pharmacist review your medications, both prescription and over the counter, to identify those that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
3. Have your vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update eyeglasses to maximize vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.
4. Make sure that canes and walkers have rubber tips, and if crutches are used, the bottoms should be cleaned regularly with an abrasive substance like steel wool to maintain traction and avoid slippage.
5. Evaluate your home environment and reduce fall risks:
   • Remove falling hazards from stairs and places you walk. Remove/repair clutter, raised doorway thresholds, throw rugs, loose carpet or raised flooring and furniture and electrical cords obstructing walkways.
   • Install grab bars and handrails where needed.
   • Improve the lighting in your home, particularly in stairways, hallways, porches and outside walkways. If necessary, add extra light switches or remove switches (like those that go on or off with the clap of hands).

If a fall does occur at home, the following safety tips can help minimize injury:

• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone.
• Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up.
• Consider wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can’t get up.

Have questions about fall prevention tips and suggestions for you and your loved one? Speak with your Rexall Pharmacist.