By Lindsey Buddelmeyer
Leadership Education & Training Specialist, Blanchard Valley Health System
Did you know that one in three visits to the emergency room is due to a fall? These visits require, on average, a four-day hospital stay. They also result in some level of loss of independence and decreased quality of life. Many people who experience a fall become more afraid of the likelihood of falling, which results in them being less active and at a higher risk for nursing home placement.
There are two primary reasons that people experience a fall. Physiological factors involve a decrease in strength and balance, while environmental factors involve our physical surroundings and play a role in whether we are able to do things independently and safely. The good news is that there are some very meaningful changes that you can make to your home and routine in order to decrease your chances of falling. You will be surprised by the home hazards that are considered dangerous or a contributing factor leading up to a fall. Take this opportunity to commit to at least one change in order to make your home safer.
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First, consider the outside of your home. Can you safely get in and out? Examine the driveway and walkway, and ensure you have a clear and well-lit pathway into the main and commonly used entrances of your home. Do you feel safe when going in and out of your home, whether it is light or dark outside? If the answer is no, consider the barriers of feeling unsafe. Uneven cracks in the driveway and sidewalks are very hazardous but can also be costly to fix. If you can afford to fix it, take the time to get it done. Some lower-cost options to consider are making sure to avoid walking through these uneven spaces, particularly when they are not well-lit outside. Take the longer route if it is the safer route, and try to avoid these uneven spots.
Next, consider the steps leading to the door. Do all of your steps have sturdy, easy-to-grasp rails on both sides? Are the stairs equal in height, and are the stair treads sturdy, level and in good condition? Again, if you can afford to get them fixed, it would be to your advantage to do so. If not, consider how you can avoid them, if possible. Adding a railing can be a lower-cost option. There are many options at your local hardware store. Motion sensor lights can offer hands-free assistance, which can be particularly helpful if your hands are full.
Additionally, do not go outside and get your mail or newspaper if you feel unsafe or unsteady and/or if it is more slippery as a result of rain, snow or ice. I have had countless friends, family members and past patients fall while going outside to get their mail, a package that was delivered or their newspaper. It is simply not worth it to risk a fall. Try and wait until the walkways or driveways have been salted and cleared. You can also ask a neighbor or family member to help you out with this task either on a routine basis or if the weather is not optimal. On the flip side, if you are more mobile and know of a neighbor who is physically limited, offer to help them out. Lastly, make sure to communicate with your courier services and see if you can identify a safe space for delivery. They may not be able to accommodate all requests, but it is certainly worth taking the time to ask.
The majority of Americans prefer to age in place. Being forward-thinking about the safety of your home is a critical first step in achieving this. Hopefully, this information will help serve as a guide to understanding how you can best mitigate your risk for falls. In a future column, I will focus on the inside of the home and how you can assess and continue to strengthen your awareness and understanding of how to prevent unwarranted falls.
