Falls can be dangerous, especially as we get older. We can hurt ourselves, break a bone, or hit our heads when we fall. These injuries can cause a lot of pain and make us spend a lot of time in the hospital. Sometimes, falling can lead to more serious health problems, like trouble walking or fear of falling again. If you fall, it is important to stay calm. First, try to get up slowly and carefully. If you are in a lot of pain or feel like you cannot get up, do not move and ask for help. You can call a family member, friend, or neighbor if they are close. If you are alone or need urgent medical help, call 9-1-1 immediately and get help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Getting checked is important to ensure you are not seriously hurt.
Avoiding falls is crucial to staying safe and healthy, especially as we age. Falls can cause serious injuries that affect our quality of life and independence.
IN YOUR HOME
- Make sure your home is neat and well-organized to avoid tripping over
- Install handrails in hallways and stairs to help you keep your balance.
- Change the lights in your house to brighter ones so you can see better
- Make sure your home is well-lit, especially in places where you walk a lot.
- Remove loose rugs, or make sure they are well secured so you do not slip.
GETTING IN THE CAR
- Wear proper, comfortable, and closed shoes.
- Hold on to another person or the car door when getting in or out.
- Get in and out of the car slowly.
- Make sure the ground is level.
IN A STORE
- Use a shopping cart for support while walking.
- Ask for help if you need to reach something on a high or low shelf.
- Watch the floor to make sure it is not wet
- Avoid obstacles like objects on the ground that could make you trip.
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
- Use the handrails if there are any on the stairs or hallways.
- Ask for help if you need it to walk or get up; do not be afraid to ask a nurse or someone at the doctor’s office.
- Follow the signs – pay attention to the signs and instructions from the medical staff to avoid falling.
Sit down at home for a moment with these tips and make a list of all the things you can change to avoid falls and accidents. Triple-S has a wide network of health providers ready to help you if you fall. Plus, we offer the convenience of the TeleConsulta MD app, which allows you to have medical consultations from the comfort of your home. However, if your fall is painful or worrying, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
