In-home falls are common, and they primarily affect people over the age of 65. According to the CDC, one out of every four senior citizens will fall at home, and just half of those who do will call for help.

Fall rates are far too high, and if you are concerned about your loved ones falling at home, there are several steps you can take to prevent them from happening. Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team!

What Should My Loved One Do If He Falls?

Falling at home can be painful and embarrassing. Although this is the case, it’s important to know what to do next to avoid further injury.

If your loved one was to fall at home, it unfortunately doubles the chances of a fall occurring again. Be sure your mom, dad or whomever you are concerned might fall is aware of the steps that should be taken after a fall occurs. We’ve listed them below.

What to Do After a Fall

• Pause and take a few deep breaths. This will help you get over the shock of falling before you attempt to get up.
• Decide if you are injured. Getting up too fast or moving incorrectly can make an injury worse.
• If you think you can get up, roll onto your side, get on your knees, crawl to a sturdy chair or piece of furniture, lift yourself up and sit down.
• After you’ve gotten up, or even if you haven’t, call a loved one and let him or her know what happened. More than half of those that fall don’t tell anyone.

Can In-Home Falls Be Prevented?

Absolutely. In-home falls are one of the most preventable occurrences out there, and all it takes to prevent them from happening is to be mindful of potential risks and to maintain healthy habits.

We’ve listed some specific ways you can limit your loved ones’ risk of falling below.

Ways to Prevent Falls

• Limit clutter. A tidy home significantly lowers fall risk.
• Secure throw rugs. Throw rugs are one of the biggest fall culprits, as they have a tendency to bunch up. While the safest option is not to use them, rugs are common in most homes. Consider putting rubber gripping under rugs to make them safer.
• Improve lighting. A dimly lit home increases the chances of tripping and falling. Keeping the home too bright is also a problem because it may create a glare. A good rule of thumb is to keep the home well-lit but not overly lit.
• Wear footwear that has some grip. Slippery socks and slippers can cause falls, so consider encouraging your loved one to wear shoes or socks with rubber grips on the bottom to reduce fall risk.
• Maintain an active lifestyle! Being sedentary will weaken the body and reduce flexibility, which can make people more susceptible to falls. Exercising consistently will greatly lower fall risk and help your loved one reach optimal health.

Our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today if you or a loved one are in need of non-emergency medical attention.