For seniors (aged 65 and older), remaining safe from falls in the home is a primary concern. One in three elder Australians is often at risk of slips and falls. The injuries caused by falling can be quite extensive, ranging from bodily injury to mental/psychological trauma. If you decide to age in your home, you should work towards developing a fall prevention plan. Fall prevention refers to putting safeguards in place that prevent your risk of falling and getting injured.
Your doctor often plays an important role in fall prevention. They can examine your health, medication and physical abilities to advise you on how you can live a fall-free life. Here are four ways through which your doctor can assist you in implementing a fall prevention plan.
1. Evaluating your prescription medication
Many seniors think that physical and mobility challenges are the primary cause for falling in the home. While having mobility issues in the arms, legs or other parts of the body can certainly put you at risk of falling, the medications that you take may also play a role. Remember that medicines may come with side effects such as drowsiness, feeling dizzy or being less alert to your environment. Therefore, your usual medications may actually increase your exposure to falling in the home.
How can your doctor help? Your doctor can examine all your prescription medications to determine which side effects you're likely to encounter. If there are medications that decrease your alertness while at home, the doctor may advise you to take those medicines when you're not planning to move around often.
2. Carrying out physical exams
The state of your physical health is directly tied to your risk of falling. If you're more physically healthy, you can support yourself better and avoid falling. You can also recover faster from bodily injuries if you were to fall in the home.
Your doctor can help by carrying out frequent physical exams on your body. They can check the health of your muscles, while also monitoring your heart and blood pressure. If your physical condition is frail, your doctor may recommend physical activities you can carry out to strengthen your muscles.
3. Suggesting proper nutrition practices
Your doctor can also aid your fall prevention plan by suggesting proper nutrition. As you grow older, your diet will play an important role in your overall health. You will need a good balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals to build your muscle strength as you continue to age. Doctors can use their expertise to suggest nutritional plans that help you avoid the risk of falling.
For more information, contact a doctor in your area.
