Here are the 6 Steps to Safety:
Step 1 – Home Safe Home
Paint or place bright tape on the edge of steps so seniors can see where one step ends and another begins.
Provide handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms
Provide light at the top and bottom of stairs and throughout halls
Paint the bottom step white to make it more visible
Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping
Attach non-slip strips to the bottom of slippers
On the outside, check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Step 2 – Safety Shoe-in
Fall prevention research has demonstrated that wearing the right type of footwear can reduce the risk of a fall. Slippers may be comfortable and convenient, but they do not provide proper support to the foot; are often loose fitting and can easily slip off, causing the senior to fall. A SYNERGY HomeCare expert can discuss the four easy ways to find out if footwear is safe.
Step 3 – The Eyes Have It
Seniors should know their visual limitations and have their vision checked at least once a year. A good tip: Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for activities such as walking outside.
Step 4 – Mind Your Medication
Medications can contribute to falling since many of them cause drowsiness and dizziness as a side effect. Let healthcare providers know if you notice a senior experiencing either of these after taking their medications
Step 5 – Stay Fit to Stand
Exercise is necessary to increase strength and balance; simple chair exercises are a good and safe way to achieve this for those with limitations. Seniors can do ankle circles while watching TV, toe raises and heel raises while waiting for dinner.
Step 6 – Balanced Nutrition
Appetite often decreases as we age, but the body still needs the nutrients that food and fluids provide. Water is recommended for hydration over caffeinated drinks (coffee and tea)
