-
Removing tripping hazards
-
Improving lighting in hallways and stairways
-
Installing grab bars in bathrooms
-
Reviewing prescription drug side effects and interactions
Our Springpoint at Home Aging Life Care Advisors™ help clients address these common risks. But there’s more to fall prevention than environment and medication management.
Additional Risk Factors
-
Footwear & foot health – Flip-flops, loose shoes, or foot pain can increase fall risk.
-
Vision & hearing – Impaired senses make navigating the environment harder.
-
Balance & strength – Loss of muscle and reduced stability are among the biggest contributors.
Learning How to Fall Safely
The good news: with practice and professional guidance (from a physical therapist or even a personal trainer), you can learn techniques to reduce injury if a fall does occur:
-
Loosen up – Instead of tensing, exhale quickly to release tension and relax your body.
-
Bend elbows and knees – Squatting slightly helps you roll onto padded areas rather than landing on wrists or hips.
-
Protect your head – Tuck your chin to your chest if falling backward; turn your head away if falling sideways.
-
Land on muscle, not bone – Aim to land on buttocks, thighs, or upper arms rather than hips, knees, or spine.
-
Keep moving – Rolling with the fall spreads impact and reduces blunt force to one area.
These actions may not come naturally in the moment—that’s why practice is key.
Building Strength & Confidence
-
Controlled lowering: Practice gently lowering yourself to the floor using your arms and legs.
-
Balance training: Activities like tai chi or chair yoga improve stability.
-
Targeted therapy: Physical therapists can create safe, personalized routines—even exercises that mimic real-life falls.
If you’d like support in finding the right resources, our Aging Life Care Advisor™ / Care Management team is here to help.
📞 Call us at 609-301-2101 or 844-724-1777 to learn more about how Springpoint at Home can serve you.
Source: Adapted from Caring News Newsletter
