September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Many things can shake your confidence, but taking a tumble is one of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of falling again doubles if you fall once. Knowing this possibility exists can prevent many senior citizens from moving around regularly and strengthening their bones and muscles.
This fall, the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates want to help you feel confident about falls prevention. There are things you can do right at home to fall-proof your environment. While we can’t guarantee a fall, we can certainly help you reduce the risk of taking a tumble and experiencing serious injury. If you’re taking notes, keep reading along.
Here are three ways to take charge at home:
Clean up, clean up
A messy house is one more way to increase the risk of an accident. We’re talking about clutter that won’t allow for a clear walkway. Have you considered rearranging furniture to consider the mobility of an older loved one with whom you share a home? Ask how they feel about their living space and if any layouts are less welcoming.
Bring out the nightlights
No one really likes to walk in the dark. Even if you are familiar with a place, it always helps to have some guiding light as you take your steps. Think about hallways, bathrooms, and the kitchen at your home. If someone needed a glass of water at night, would they be able to find their way around without injury? Nightlights are wonderful solutions.
Remove the slippery rugs
Rugs can really add character to a room. They can increase the risk of a fall, too. If your rugs don’t have slip guards or other ways to make them less slippery, consider a design do-over. Slippery rugs can cause accidents that lead to injuries. Remove the rugs or make sure they can stay in place.
This fall, we’re here to help. If you or a loved one takes a fall, call a medical professional. Never delay seeking treatment or dismiss a bump or bruise.
At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.