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6 Ways to Prevent Falling

Date: February 4, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
6 Ways to Prevent Falling

It’s winter in New Hampshire and that can only mean two things, lots of ice and snow, and a lot of chances of falling. While we all know the danger of falling, for most people it’s bruised muscles at best, and a broken bone at worst. It’s much different for seniors. One wrong fall can lead to broken bones, having to leave their home, and possibly even death. Falls are the number one cause of injury for seniors. Here are 6 ways to prevent falling.

6 Ways to Prevent Falling

6 Ways to Prevent Falling

 

1. Footwear

Shoes should have anti-slip material like rubber and neoprene instead of leather or plastic. They should also have good tread to keep you upright. If your shoes don’t have either, you can also order external traction cleats.

2. How You Walk

Try taking smaller steps when you are on snowy or icy terrain. Keeping your feet closer to you gives you a bit more control and forces you to slow down. Also try to keep an eye out six feet ahead of you so you can know what’s coming. Carrying anything that blocks your vision is just asking for something to trip you.

3. Your Home

You spend a lot of time at home and your home is filled with tripping hazards: small boxes, newspapers on the ground, extension cords, etc. Try to organize everything so that you have clear paths and that way, you can get to where you need to be without getting hurt. Also try to wear footwear with no skid bottoms, like slippers, it can make it easier to navigate on hardwood surfaces.

4. Use Handrails

This might seem obvious, but try to use handrails when going up and down stairs. It gives extra support and balance. You can also use them in the bathroom and make it easier to get in and out of the shower.

5. Staying Fit

One of the best ways to prevent falling is to maintain your strength and agility. As we get older we lose muscles faster than when we were younger. Try to do small exercises to stay active.

6. Do Not Stick Out Your Hands When Falling

It’s instinct but it can lead to broken wrists. Instead, when falling forward, try to move your body so you land on your side. When falling backwards, tuck your chin towards your chest to prevent hitting your head.

Read more about prevent falls here.

Learning How to Fall

Date: January 14, 2018
Author: Erynn
Categories: Stories & Tips
6 Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

A big concern that the elderly have is falling, and rightfully so. One wrong fall and there can be a lot of pain and recovery time. But what if you could learn how to fall in a way that minimizes damage? The Dutch is teaching a class about learning how to fall properly.

Learning How to Fall

Learning How to Fall

 

The class in Leusden, Netherlands is unassuming. It almost looks like a kid’s gymnastic class with large mats and obstacle courses in a community center.

Though the participants are not kids, the age range in the class is between 65 and 94. But don’t mistake them for frail, many arrive by riding their bikes, others can walk independently with walkers or canes.

The course has the “Belgian sidewalk,” a wooden contraption designed to simulate loose tiles; a “sloping slope,” ramps angled at an ankle-unfriendly 45 degrees; and others like “the slalom” and “the pirouette.”

This is for practice on difficult terrain where a fall is likely to happen.

There are many of these classes across the country and have gained popularity quickly. Falling classes is a recent idea, blossoming within a decade, it has gotten so popular that some insurances will cover it and the Dutch government rates them.

The class meets twice a week, on Tuesdays they gain confidence by walking the course over and over again. Thursdays are for learning how to fall in a way that minimizes damage.

First, they slowly lower themselves onto the mat, and then over the course of a few weeks, learn how to fall.

A pleasant side effect of this course is the socialization it provides to the students. Having somewhere to go twice a week and meeting others their age can help with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Watching each other fall, laying on the mat in funny poses, causes them to giggle like children. There are jokes, teasing, and lots of laughs.

Read more here.

Combating the Fear of Falling

Date: August 5, 2015
Author: Randy
Categories: Caring For Seniors NH, Podcast, Stories & Tips

Combating the Fear of Falling

Categories: Caring for Seniors

Judy Loubier, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors NH, Judy came in to share some fall statistics with us and she discussed risk abatement as well.  She discussed ways to help improve progress with mobility.  Tune in to hear more about this topic!

Combating the Fear of Falling

Combating the Fear of Falling

 

Caring for Seniors

When:  Wednesday mornings at 7:40 Anchor:  Judy Loubier Sponsor:  Seniors Helping Seniors Southern NH & ME.  Browse the Caring for Seniors show archives. Caring for Seniors covers senior care topics such as Alzheimer’s care, respite care, how to choose senior services, tips on fall prevention, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, ins and outs of advance directives, senior fitness tips, stroke prevention, dementia care and recognizing signs of stroke.