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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors raise the risk of falls?
2. What safety steps can be taken to prevent falls?
1. What factors raise the risk of falls?
- Prescribed medications
- Alcohol and/or drugs
- Sleep aids
- Tranquilizers
- Antidepressants
- Balance and/or cognitive impairment
- Decreased mobility and strength
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological disease
- Incontinence
- Vision problems
2. What safety steps can be taken to prevent falls?
- Light the way.
- Increase balance through exercise.
- Watch for medication side effects.
- Clear the path of clutter.
- Throw out the throw rugs.
- Secure all electrical wiring and cords.
- Buy non-skid shoes.
- Put grab bars near toilet and tub and non-skid mats or strips in tub.
- Avoid ice and wet pavement.
- Screen for vision problems.
- Consider a personal emergency response system (PERS).
