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Some of the most common causes of falls and what you can do to decrease your or a loved one’s risk. Use this Home Safety Checklist ( http://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Falls_HomeSafetyChecklist_general.pdf ) to guide you through key environmental considerations to see where you can increase home safety and reduce the likelihood of falls in your home or that of a loved one.
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Impaired Vision
Cataracts and glaucoma alter dept perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare.
Solution: Add color and contrast to identify objects, such as grab bars and handrails.
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Most homes are full of falling hazards.
Solution: Add grab bars in the bathroom, install proper railings on both sides of stairways, improve the lighting, remove loose rugs and fix uneven or cracked sidewalks.
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Home Hazards
Many drugs(i.e., sedatives, anti-depressants) reduce metal alertness, affect balance and gait and cause drops in systolic blood pressure while standing. Mixing certain medications increases these effects, causing falls.Solution: Have a home care professional carefully monitor medications and interactions.
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Medication
Low Balance - Weakness and lack of mobility leads to many falls.
Solution: Exercise regularly to boost strength and muscle tone.
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Weakness
Parkinson's, heart disease and other conditions increase the risk of falling.Solution: Enlist specially-trained caregivers to ensure that patients follow their treatment plans, assists them to doctor appointments and recognize red flags.
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Chronic Condition
20%-30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries.
These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently.
30%
20%
Adults age 65 and older fall each year, yet less than half talk to their
healthcare providers
1 IN 3
Every 15 seconds across America, a senior citizen is sent
to the E.R. for a fall-related injury.
15
Use this Home Safety Checklist to guide you through key environmental considerations to see where you can increase home safety and reduce the likelihood of falls in your home or that of a loved one.
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9/25/2013 12
