What can I do to decrease my chances of falling?
Ask your physician to evaluate your strength, balance, gait, entire medication list, and overall risk for falls. The chances are good that there will be a number of things that can be done to reduce fall risk, such as adjusting medications, obtaining physical therapy, starting an exercise regimen, or receiving an assistive device such as a cane or walker, to make walking safer.
What can be done to improve balance?
Similarly, there are a number of exercises and assistive devices that can improve stability. Ask your physician what would be best for you.
How can I make my home environment safer?
There are many pamphlets available to assist in hazard-proofing your home environment. Alternatively, a home health provider, such as a visiting nurse or occupational therapist, can come to the home and provide a hands-on inspection and set of recommendations. Common recommendations include installing bathroom grab bars, improving lighting in key areas, removing hazardous conditions on the floor, and making stairways and entrance areas safer.
How can I find out if any of the medications I take may increase my risk of falling?
Your physician is the best person to systematically assess the risks and benefits associated with medications and should be asked to do so. Be sure to tell your physician about all medications you are taking, even products such as over-the-counter sleeping medications and cold tablets and those medicines prescribed by other providers.
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1 comment:
Too many people without vertigo think that the condition is something to laugh about. They just don't realize how dangerous falling can be. I believe that visiting nurse programs are one of the greatest tools in helping keep patients safe. Most of us spend most of our time in our homes. Every hospital should have one.
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