17 Mar Smarts and Strength: Tips to Prevent Falls
As people get older, they might be more prone to fall – and that can unfortunately lead to injuries and loss of mobility. After experiencing a bad fall, some people develop a fear of falling – which in turn may put the person at risk for more falls!
Certain things that may increase the risk for falling are:
- Poor lighting
- Steep stairs
- Uneven floor surfaces, including moving from a carpet to a hardwood floor
- Sidewalks and other outside areas that are in disrepair
- Lack of railings, handles, and grab bars
Falls may also be caused by certain health issues, such as:
- Changes in balance, hearing or vision
- Muscle weakness
- A stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis
- Certain medications
Fortunately, at Park Springs, the luxury retirement community in Stone Mountain, Members have access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as the personalized guidance of Reggie Porter, Park Springs’ Fitness Instructor. Reggie is happy to develop a tailor-made training program that will improve balance and strengthen muscles for anyone who has suffered a fall or wishes to prevent falls. Muscles stay strong through exercise!
Some smart tips to prevent falling are:
- Use care in the bathroom, especially when the floor is slippery.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower, and install grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower stall.
- Install support bars near the toilet.
- Find out if the medications you take have any side effects – in particular, if they might influence your balance.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
- Use proper lighting throughout your home.
- Wear secure shoes and forget about slippers or flip-flops!
- Use contrasting colors at steps or thresholds so you can see them clearly.
To learn more about Park Springs, its fitness center and strength training, as well as some of the thoughtful interior design features at Park Springs that promote safety, please call any one of our Senior Residency Counselors at 678-684-3300.