Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors in Oakland, CA

Falling represents a serious risk for seniors, leading to potential injuries that leave permanent symptoms. The biggest issue is that, if you've fallen once before, your chances of falling again increase.

Our Oakland, CA, senior community, located on the Eastern side of the San Francisco Bay, is here to provide you with tips and tricks to avoid any future falls.

Keep reading to learn the top fall prevention tips you need to stay as safe as possible!

Understand Your Risks

Fall prevention awareness needs to start with an analysis of your risks.

Falling isn't something that simply happens as you grow older. Certain medications or health conditions can increase your likelihood by a lot if you're not informed. The setup of your home can also have an impact, such as a building with a lot of stairs.

Take the time to speak with your doctor, family, and other caretakers in your life. By understanding what risk factors exist in your life, you'll know to keep an eye on them.

You can take extra care when taking those medications or find somewhere new to live that doesn't require you to go up and down stairs all the time.

Add Wall-Mounted Lighting

Without good lighting, mobility safety for older adults is compromised. Tripping hazards are more easily hidden in shadows, even in a home with open floor plans.

The key to improving your lighting setup is to avoid putting more lamps that require floor space. They'll become another obstacle you might need to step around when trying to move around your home.

Instead, focus on wall-mounted lights so you eliminate excessive clutter on the floors.

Make sure to mix and match the type of lighting, choosing between softer ambient light and sharper task lighting as needed. Include enough lighting so you can walk through your home with confidence and a clear view.

Remove Clutter

Clutter can be more than a detriment to your mental health. It's also a risk to your physical health because more clutter often leads to a higher risk of falling.

This is why many senior safety strategies include the idea of "less is more". Ideas to reduce clutter in your home can include:

Getting rid of loose floor rugs
Placing potted plants on top of tables or windowsills
Collecting blankets and pillows into a single container when not in use
Avoid decorative pieces that rest on the floor

Check Your Eyesight

Even in a home that reduces as much clutter as possible, walking around can be difficult if you don't take care of your eyesight. Seeing an eye doctor regularly can be a great defense against the risk of falling.

You might not even notice that your eyesight is growing worse until you've had an accident.

Try to plan a visit to your eye doctor at least once a year. They'll be able to catch any issues or signs of decline before they become a problem.

Use Walking Aids

Sometimes seniors avoid the idea of using a walking aid, despite how much added safety it can provide them. However, if you're worried about potentially falling, it may be time to consider a walking aid.

The good news is that there are many different types, so you can find one that suits your needs best. Common walking aids include:

Walking stick
Walking cane
Rollator
Trolley
Elbow crutches
Knee crutches

You may not need to use a walking aid indefinitely. It can be a useful tool on days when you have low energy, or until you've strengthened your balance to a level where you feel confident again.

Invest in Appropriate Footwear

Have you ever considered that your shoes may be hindering you rather than helping you? Your shoes should be part of the solution, not the problem.

It's vital to look for orthopedic shoes that have non-slip soles. The non-slip material will keep your feet secure no matter what surface you're walking on.

The shoes also need to fit snugly but not too tightly. Shoes that don't fit can alter the way you walk, making each step more of a risk than it should be.

Start Doing Water Aerobics

Balance improvement for seniors is a vital skill to work on if you want to improve your overall safety. The easier and safest way to practice balance is to begin doing water aerobics.

The water acts as a safety net in case you fall over during an exercise. It's also easier on your joints, so people of all physical capabilities can take advantage of the workouts. Water aerobics also gives you the benefits of:

Better balance
Improves muscle strength
Continuous gentle exercise
Stress relief
Better heart health
Improves physical endurance

Even if you feel content with your current skill in balancing, water aerobics represents a great way for seniors to maintain an exercise regimen without taking unnecessary health risks.

Stay Confident

One of the biggest contributors to a person's risk for falling is the internal fear that keeps them from walking with confidence. Avoiding falls becomes a lot more difficult if you hesitate with every step you take.

Stepping with confidence means you're executing the step quickly and with purpose. With timid steps, there's more time in between for hazardous variables to get in the way.

Find confidence in your body and the way it moves, and you'll reduce your risk of falling.

Don't forget to speak with family members or even professional therapists if a lack of confidence starts to become a bigger problem in your life. Every senior deserves a vibrant retirement.

Explore More Fall Prevention Tips With The Point at Rockridge

With these fall prevention tips, you're giving yourself a solid safety net. To increase your defense against falling even more, consider joining a local senior community that puts your safety first.

When you join The Point at Rockridge, you'll enter a warm senior community that'll work with you to create a personalized care plan. With our Vbrant Life initiative, resort-like amenities, and passionate care team, you'll have the tools you need to improve your lifestyle and prevent future falls.

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