Falls

What can I do to make my home safer?

What about Stairs?

Sometimes people fall when they are going up or down stairs. Other times, people fall, are hospitalized, and then are too weak to go up and down stairs. Look around your home.

  • Make a plan for the possibility of living on one floor.
  • If you can’t live on one floor, think about how you can organize to limit the number of times you use stairs.
  • You may consider moving out of your home. If you want to think about moving out of your home into a senior community, resources are available.

What if I need help making changes in my home?

Individual states or local governments have resources that can help people over the age of 65 in their area. These are sometimes called Area Agencies on Aging or “AAA.” Area Agencies on Aging can connect you to people who can help in making changes to your home. You may have selected this in an earlier section.

Are you concerned about your balance?

You may benefit from Physical Therapy.

Outpatient Physical Therapy
This is usually at a place that a person will drive to and has a gym with equipment.
Home Physical Therapy
If you are not able to get out of your home, a therapist will come to your home 2–3 times a week for 1 hour a visit.

Talk to your doctor about getting an order. You do not need to go to a hospital to get physical therapy.

Is there anything else I should know about falls?

Just keep moving! Walking and physical exercise is very important!

If you are not active, you have a higher risk of falling. Consider joining a walking group or Tai Chi class in your area. Tai Chi is a low impact exercise that has been shown to improve balance and decrease the risk of falling.

If you have any other questions or concerns, consider talking to your doctor.