Falls Can Be Prevented

Elderly Trauma Patients

Talk to Your Doctor

• Talk to your healthcare provider to assess your risk for falling. Ask them how you can prevent falling.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to review your medicines.  Some medicine combinations might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines.

• Ask your healthcare provider about taking vitamin D supplements.

Do Strength and Balance Exercises

• Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.

Have Your Eyes Checked

• Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor once a year. Update your eyeglasses if needed.

• Bifocals can make things seem closer or farther away than they really are. This can affect your balance and make you more likely to fall. If you use bifocals, have a pair of glasses without bifocals for outdoor activities, such as walking.

Make Your Home Safer

• Remove things you could trip over.

• Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet.

• Put railings on both sides of stairs.

• Make sure your home has lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs.