Fall Prevention Systems That Support Senior Safety in Emeryville, CA

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and up. Not only do seniors suffer from injuries after a fall, but they often also experience lasting health issues. Plus, after you fall once, it increases the chance of falling again, so it can make life much more difficult and unpleasant.

As an older adult, you might be concerned about this information. However, there are several changes you can make to ensure your fall risk is low.

Here are the fall prevention systems you can use in Emeryville, CA, so you can stay safe and secure.

Book a Fall-Risk Checkup and Medication Review

The first step to senior safety in Emeryville, CA, is to speak with your doctor. They can perform a fall-risk checkup where they'll screen for:

Balance
Blood pressure drops (orthostatic hypotension)
Neuropathy
Vision/hearing issues
Vitamin D needs

To make sure the appointment is as efficient as possible, you have to bring every prescription, as well as over-the-counter pills and supplements. That way, your doctor can get an accurate overview of what you're taking in case you require de-prescribing (some medications can increase dizziness).

Alameda County has the Senior Injury Prevention Program (SIPP), so contact them if you aren't sure where to start. They can connect you with local fall-prevention education and resources.

Build a Weekly Strength and Balance Routine

Your fitness level will heavily impact your fall risk; if you're not in good shape, then it's very likely you'll have a fall in the near future.

So make physical wellness a priority. Aim for 3-4 short sessions every week that address your:

Legs
Ankles
Core

Balance practice is essential too. Exercises you can do are:

Single-leg stands near a counter
Heel-to-toe walking
Chair stands

If you have trouble motivating yourself, then consider attending classes. Options like tai chi, gentle yoga, or evidence-based programs (like A Matter of Balance) can be greatly beneficial. Check with the Emeryville Senior Center, as they often have regular movement classes.

Upgrade Footwear and Mobility Gear

Certain types of footwear can increase your fall risk, so be mindful of what shoes you wear. In general, your footwear should be low-heeled and well-fitting, with thin, non-slip soles. While they may be comfortable, floppy slippers and thick, squishy soles should not be worn.

If you use mobility aids for aging adults (such as a cane or walker), have them fitted to your height, and replace worn rubber tips right away. If your gait changes, have the fit re-checked.

Having extra mobility gear can help too. For example, you can keep a folding cane by the bed for night trips to the bathroom and a second walker or rollator parked near the dining area if long walks tire you out.

Make the Bathroom Safer

The bathroom is where most slips and falls happen since the surfaces are mostly wet. This is why memory care safety emphasizes bathroom security.

Here are a few modifications you can make to your bathroom for increased safety:

Install grab bars inside the shower and by the toilet
Add a shower chair
Use non-skid mats or strips
Install a handheld shower head
Use a raised toilet seat
Keep soaps within easy reach to avoid bending and twisting

Light Your Paths

One of the best and easiest aging-in-place tools to have is simple lighting. After all, if you can't see where you're going, then it's easy to stumble around, run into something, trip, and fall.

The goal is bright and uniform lighting. Use higher-contrast bulbs or lampshades so that edges and steps "pop." Keep spare bulbs handy and dust your fixtures regularly to get the maximum lighting possible.

In addition, install plug-in night lights from your bed to the bathroom. Motion-sensor lights in the hallways and closets are useful as well.

Think about your furniture arrangement as well. Make sure that switches are reachable from your bed and entryways.

Clear the Walkways and Simplify Storage

You should already be living in an apartment that's designed for seniors, which makes things a lot easier. However, over time, it might get a bit messy, so block out some time to clean things up.

These are our tips for making your living space tidier and safer:

Tape down or remove loose rugs and cords
Keep frequently used items at waist-to-shoulder height
Add a reach tool or grabber for high or low items
Create a charging station so phones don't trail cords

Prevent Dizziness

Dizziness can happen if you're not taking good care of yourself, and as a result, you may trip and fall. So make sure you're:

Drinking water regularly
Eating balanced meals with protein
Limiting your alcohol intake
Sitting for 10 seconds before standing and getting out of bed

All of the above are especially important if you're doing nighttime walking.

Plus, get your eyes checked yearly and update your glasses if needed. Ask about single-vision glasses for walking if progressives are currently making stairs tricky.

Practice Safe Moves and Plan for a Fall

Falls can still happen, even with the best, most thorough assisted living fall protection. This is why it's important to have a plan in case of falls.

Practice safe moves for daily life, such as:

Using the nose-over-toes trick to stand up
Pushing from the chair (instead of pulling on your walker)
Turning your whole body rather than twisting

And if you fall, and aren't hurt badly, do the following:

Crawl to a sturdy chair
Kneel and place forearms on the seat
Bring one foot forward, and press up

Utilize These Fall Prevention Systems

Having these fall prevention systems can make a world of difference in terms of your fall risk. But you don't have to do it all yourself.

Consider relocating to a senior living community, where all the precautions are already in place. You'll also be supported by patient and compassionate staff members, so you'll be truly pampered.

To schedule a tour at a senior living community in the Bay Area, get in touch with us today. 1440 By the Bay is currently offering up to two months' rent free!