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At Alertive Healthcare, we are passionate about empowering seniors and their loved ones to live vibrant, engaged lives. While the risk of falls can feel concerning as we age, there are many simple yet empowering steps you can take to boost your confidence, prevent falls, and continue enjoying your daily routines with peace of mind.
Prioritize Your Health and Wellness
Maintaining your overall well-being is key for effective fall prevention. We encourage seniors to stay proactive by scheduling annual vision and hearing checkups. Impairments in sight or hearing can increase fall risk, so early detection and using appropriate assistive tools is crucial. Be sure to also review all medications - prescriptions, over-the-counter, and supplements - with your healthcare provider. They can identify any side effects like dizziness or drowsiness that may heighten your fall risk and provide guidance. Don't hesitate to discuss any previous falls, balance concerns, or mobility changes as well. Your provider can complete a full assessment and recommend personalized fall prevention strategies tailored to your needs.
Engage Mind and Body with Exercise
One of the best ways for seniors to build strength, flexibility, and balance - all critical for fall prevention - is through regular physical activity. Our recent video highlighted simple seated exercises that can improve stability and independence right from your chair. We also encourage exploring balance-focused programs like tai chi along with strength training for your core and legs. Gentle stretching can boost flexibility too. Before beginning any new exercise routine, consult your healthcare provider, especially if managing chronic conditions or mobility limitations. They can ensure the activities are appropriate and safe for your unique needs.
Maximize Your Independence with Assistance
You don't have to go it alone when it comes to preventing falls and maintaining your autonomy. Assistive devices like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can provide reassuring stability and support for those needing extra assistance getting around safely. Simple steps like wearing shoes or socks with good traction, using your corrective lenses, and installing grab bars or shower chairs can also boost safety and confidence for daily tasks. Helpful tools like reachers allow you to avoid excessive bending or reaching that could throw off your balance.
Create a Safe, Accessible Home Environment
Making simple home modifications is an empowering way for seniors to prevent falls. Start by minimizing tripping hazards like clutter, loose rugs, or cords from walkways. Installing grab bars, handrails, improved lighting, and non-slip surfaces in key areas like bathrooms and stairs can provide vital support. Keeping frequently used items within easy reach also reduces the need for risky movements. For those with limited mobility, mobility scooters or wheelchairs enable safer, more confident navigation at home.
Enlisting professional expertise to fully evaluate your home for fall risks can also be beneficial. Experts can make personalized recommendations based on your or your loved one's unique needs and abilities. For seniors aging in place, these home assessments provide invaluable guidance for creating a safe, accessible environment that supports independence. Caregivers can also benefit from professional recommendations to ensure their loved one's home minimizes fall risks.
Your Healthcare Partner in Riverside, Ca
At Alertive Healthcare, our mission is to support seniors and caregivers in living life to the fullest with independence and dignity. By being proactive about your health, engaging in safe physical activity, using assistive aids, and creating an accessible home environment, you can prevent falls and continue pursuing your passions with confidence. Our compassionate team is here to partner with you and connect you with trusted local services offering home safety support. You can also explore community resources like the Riverside County Office on Aging for additional supportive services.
Contact us today to get started with fall prevention efforts and ensure you or a loved one stays safe! We look forward to hearing from you. Call our office at (951) 466-6628 for walk-in and same-day appointment availability or to schedule your next visit with a provider.