Falls are common among older adults, and can be a risk to your health and independence. According to Dr. Sonja Rosen, a chief of geriatric medicine for Cedars-Sinai Medical Group in Los Angeles, there are several ways to avoid falls and the health risks that come with them. Dr. Rosen’s tips are:
- Get a risk assessment: Seniors who have fallen, or are afraid they might, should get a comprehensive risk assessment from a geriatrician, who can give them a treatment plan.
- Eliminate hazards in your home: Take care of loose rugs, remove clutter from hallways, and keep an open pathway to the bathroom with a dim light on at night.
- If you have a cane or walker, always use it as directed.
- Ask your doctor to review your medications, to determine if any of them might increase your risk of falls.
According to Rosen, effective measures like this can reduce the risk of falling by 30 to 40 percent.