Blog: As we get older, the chances of us having a fall increase. The consequences of having a fall also become more serious. However, there are a number of ways in which we can reduce the chances of having a fall. In this guest blog by our home care partners, Bluebird Care, we’ll concentrate on the ways in which you can make yourself less likely to fall.
Visit Bluebird Care’s Website – Bluebird provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and other forms of care in Halifax and Calderdale.
Fall Prevention 1 – Health & fitness
EXERCISE
Taking regular physical exercise is a great way to reduce the chances of having a fall. This can begin when you’re younger, or later in life. Regular walks and outdoor exercise build muscle strength, co-ordination and flexibility.
Similarly, indoor exercise like Yoga and Pilates can significantly improve your physical condition, improving balance, co-ordination and confidence.
If you’re older and looking to improve your fitness, it’s always good to consult with experts first. Talk to your GP, if you have any medical conditions that affect your mobility. Joining group exercise sessions aimed at older people is a good way of meeting people and exercising. Being supervised by a trainer is also a safe option.
Walking remains one of the very best forms of exercise. Walking on uneven surfaces – the kind you’ll encounter walking off-road – is extremely good for conditioning your leg muscles, which play a key role in balance. However, if you don’t walk regularly or have health conditions, walk on flat, even surfaces if you can.
NUTRITION
Good nutrition – eating well – is another key preventative measure if you’re trying to reduce the chances of falling. In later life, it remains really important to eat calcium-rich food, such as cheese and milk, which are important for bone strength. But a good, balanced diet goes beyond that. If you’re unsure if your diet is healthy, ask for advice. Remember, alcohol can impair your ability to balance.
MEDICATION
If you are taking medication, it’s important to be aware of any side effects. In particular, if you feel dizzy or unbalanced, consult your GP, who can look at tweaking doses and combinations of medicines.
EYES AND EARS
Both sight and hearing and the health of your eyes and ears can affect your balance. Having regular sight and hearing checks is important and can help prevent falls.
FOOT HEALTH
Uncomfortable or painful feet can obviously have an impact on your walking and balance. Don’t ignore foot health. Visit a chiropodist or podiatrist for nail trimming and other foot-health treatments.
CONTINENCE
A surprising number of falls occur when people are rushing to the toilet. Consult your GP if incontinence is a problem for you. There are a number of remedies and practical measures you can take to help you cope with this issue.
FRIENDS, FAMILY & CARERS
The greatest source of support with falling issues are your friends, family and your Bluebird Care professionals. If you are worried about falling, talk to them about your concerns. Let them help you identify the risks and support you as you seek to eliminate or reduce those risks.
Visit the NHS website for more information on falls prevention with some good links to health-related advice about falls: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/prevention/
Visit Bluebird Care’s Website – Bluebird provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and other forms of care in Halifax and Calderdale.
Why not check out some of Bluebird Care’s other blogs – they are a great source of advice and insight from real experts in caring for older people:
Blog 19 – Bluebird Blog: Communicating With Someone With Dementia
Blog 18 – Blog: Medicine Cabinet Tips
Blog 17 – Blog: A Healthy Diet In Winter
Blog 16 – Blog: Making Christmas Special For An Older Relative
Blog 15 – Seasonal Affective Disorder
Blog 14 – Blog: Tips to keep you warm in winter
Blog 13 – Blog: Telling people about your dementia diagnosis
Blog 12 – Blog: Meet one of Bluebird’s carers, Pamela
Blog 11 – Blog: Bluebird Care looks at taking a break with someone with dementia
Blog 10 – Blog: Bluebird’s Live-in-Care Manager Talks About Her Role
Blog 9 – Blog: Bluebird Care Looking At Night Care And How It Works
Blog 8 – Blog: Bluebird Care Looking At Home Care And How It Works
Blog 7 – Blog: Bluebird Care on Live-In Care and how it works
Blog 6 – Blog: Bluebird Care on Early Diagnosis Of Dementia
Blog 5 – Blog: Bluebird Care on the challenges of communicating with a person with dementia
Blog 4 – Blog: Bluebird Care on ways to look after your health when you have dementia
Blog 3 – Bluebird Care’s tips for preparing for winter
Blog 2 – Bluebird Care’s Community Work
Blog 1 – Introducing Bluebird Care | Visit Bluebird Care’s Website
