Some of the most common causes of falls and what you can do to decrease your or a loved one’s risk. Use this Home Safety Checklist ( http://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Falls_HomeSafetyChecklist_general.pdf ) to guide you through key environmental considerations to see where you can increase home safety and reduce the likelihood of falls in your home or that of a loved one.

1. Top 5 Causes of Falls

2. Impaired Vision
Cataracts and glaucoma alter dept perception, visual acuity,
peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare.
Solution: Add color and contrast to identify objects, such as grab bars
and handrails.
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3. Most homes are full of falling hazards.
Solution: Add grab bars in the bathroom, install proper railings on both
sides of stairways, improve the lighting, remove loose rugs and fix
uneven or cracked sidewalks.
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Home Hazards

4. Many drugs(i.e., sedatives, anti-depressants) reduce metal
alertness, affect balance and gait and cause drops in systolic blood
pressure while standing. Mixing certain medications increases
these effects, causing falls.
Solution: Have a home care professional carefully monitor medications
and interactions.
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Medication

5. Low Balance - Weakness and lack of mobility leads to many falls.
Solution: Exercise regularly to boost strength and muscle tone.
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Weakness

6. Parkinson's, heart disease and other conditions increase the risk
of falling.
Solution: Enlist specially-trained caregivers to ensure that patients
follow their treatment plans, assists them to doctor appointments and
recognize red flags.
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Chronic Condition

7. 20%-30% of people who fall suffer
moderate to severe injuries.
These injuries can make it hard
to get around or live independently.
30%
20%

8. Adults age 65 and older fall each
year, yet less than half talk to their
healthcare providers
1 IN 3

9. Every 15 seconds across America,
a senior citizen is sent
to the E.R. for a fall-related injury.
15

10. Use this Home Safety Checklist to guide you through key environmental
considerations to see where you can increase home safety and reduce
the likelihood of falls in your home or that of a loved one.

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