FALLS – Part two
The previous March issue dealt with Health Based Risk elements causing a person to fall. This article is Part 2, dealing with falls caused by Environmental Risks and a “Miscellaneous” group of risk factors. Environmental risks include: (a) Potential hazards around the home – throw rugs, clutter, slippery floors, too narrow walkways around furniture, not adequate lighting for safe walking – especially walking to the bathroom at night, uneven floor surfaces, electrical cords across pathways, staircases without railings, etc.; (b) Unsupportive furniture – low-seated chairs and toilets, especially those without adequate armrests or grab rail support making it difficult to rise causing increasing poor balance, low bed heights making it difficult rising to a standing position; (c) Showers and bathtubs – climbing in and out of the bathtub, not using a shower bench or shower chair to sit in while bathing, and no grab bars in place for stability and not using a shower wand/hose to help with bathing. Walk through your home and observe for any of these hazards or risk factors and correct/remove them.
The miscellaneous risks are those that you have the most control of, as they involve your thinking and actions guiding your safe behavior, including: (a) Reorganize closets, cabinets, and other storage areas to minimize the need to bend down or reach up when retrieving commonly used items – put everyday items and “heavy” items at the front of the shelves within easy reach; (b) Use the proper mobility equipment when walking in the house – do not hang onto furniture, towel holders in the bathroom, etc.; (c) Do not stand on unstable objects like chairs, stools, ladders, etc. to reach high objects especially if you live alone – ask for help – a friend, housekeeper/gardener for assistance; (d) When you are outside walking limit your conversations with your companions, do not talk on the phone while walking – pay attention to where you are walking. Lord knows our local sidewalks and streets are not the most “walker friendly.” One study showed that not being careful or alert, not looking where you are going, or being in a hurry while performing daily activities were cited as precipitating circumstances causing approximating 63% of falls; (e) When getting up from your bed or chair, do it slowly – doing it too rapidly increases your risk of imbalance and possible falling. When you get up especially during the night or in the morning, sit up and “sit still” for one to two minutes before you stand up and move. This will give your blood pressure time to adjust, and you will feel less dizzy; (f) If your doctor prescribes some kind of safety mobility device – grab bars, cane, walker, wheelchair, etc., he/she has your best safety interest in mind so you can live as independently and safely as possible. Learn how to use the equipment – and then use it all the time. It is also important to use them correctly and that they are fully functional and not broken. Broken brakes or footrests on wheelchairs are a major cause of wheelchair falls; (g) If you are out walking or do other physical activities, do not over-do it, especially when it is warm, which increases the possibility of you becoming physically and mentally fatigued. Possible dehydration produces inattention to potential hazards and weakness, increasing your risks of falling. An over simplistic statement: Be aware of where your feet are when you are walking, moving from a chair and starting to walk, don’t get ‘tangled’ in an object that trips you.
Studies have shown most “common falls” were caused by what researchers call “incorrect transfer or shifting of body weight,” which accounted for 41% of falling. This involves a body movement that causes the center of gravity to change improperly while walking or standing. Many of these misjudgments or over-corrections occurred while transferring from a walker/wheelchair to a chair/bed, or vice versa. Only a very small portion (3%) of falls is caused by slipping.
While “forward walking” [head extended/bent downward] was one of the activities most commonly preceding a fall, as were sitting down and standing. The main lesson to learn – do not rush. Think and pay attention to what you and your body are doing when moving. If you have fallen, even if not injured, inform you doctor. There may be a medical reason that this occurred. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or possible issues with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls allowing you to continue to live safely and independently.
Discover trusted local services and hidden gems with our easy-to-use online directory.
- YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – September 2025 - August 30, 2025
- If Our Pets Could Talk – August 2025 - July 29, 2025
- YOU and Your Doctor Are Your Medical Team – August 2025 - July 29, 2025
