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Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Prevent falls with these simple fall prevention measures, from reviewing your medications to hazard-proofing your home. By Mayo Clinic StaffFall prevention is an important topic to consider as you get older. Physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider six simple fall prevention strategies. 1. Make an appointment with your health care providerStart by making an appointment with your health care provider. To assess your risk and discuss fall prevention strategies, your health care provider may want to talk about the following:
2. Keep movingPhysical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your health care provider's OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements. These activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. If you avoid physical activity because you're afraid it will make a fall more likely, tell your health care provider. Your provider may recommend carefully monitored exercise programs or refer you to a physical therapist. The physical therapist can create a custom exercise program aimed at improving your balance, flexibility and muscle strength. 3. Wear sensible shoesConsider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. So can walking in your stocking feet. Instead, wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with nonskid soles. Sensible shoes may also reduce joint pain. 4. Remove home hazardsTake a look around your home for potential fall hazards. To make your home safer:
5. Light up your living spaceKeep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Also:
6. Use assistive devicesYour health care provider might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example:
If necessary, ask your health care provider for a referral to an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can help you brainstorm other fall prevention strategies. Some solutions are easily installed and relatively inexpensive. Others may require professional help or a larger investment. If you're concerned about the cost, remember that an investment in fall prevention is an investment in your independence. Feb. 03, 2022
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. What are the interventions to prevent fall of patients?Fall prevention interventions relevant for primary care populations can include exercise, medication review, dietary supplements (eg, vitamin D), environment modifications, and behavioral therapy.
What interventions would a nurse perform to prevent falls?Interventions to Prevent Falls. Familiarize the patient with the environment.. Have the patient demonstrate call light use.. Maintain the call light within reach. ... . Keep the patient's personal possessions within safe reach.. Have sturdy handrails in patient bathrooms, rooms, and hallways.. Which of the following actions best prevents falls?Take the right steps to prevent falls. Stay physically active. ... . Have your eyes and hearing tested. ... . Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. ... . Get enough sleep. ... . Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ... . Stand up slowly. ... . Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.. What should be the first priority intervention when a nurse finds that a patient has fallen?Stay with the patient and call for help. Check the patient's breathing, pulse, and blood pressure. If the patient is unconscious, not breathing, or does not have a pulse, call a hospital emergency code and start CPR. Check for injury, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, and broken bones.
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