The physical and occupational therapists at Sutter Medical Foundation are able to provide you a customized program to maintain and improve your balance.

Here is some information, safety tips, and simple exercises that may help prevent you from a fall in the future. Recent studies have shown that:

• More than one third of people over 65 years of age fall each year.
• One half of people over 80 years old have a fall at least once a year.
• Half of all falls happen in and around the home.
• One in 10 falls result in a serious injury.

A few simple steps can reduce your risk of falling. You can help prevent falls through exercise and easy home modifications.

Understanding Falls

Conditions affecting your body may include:

• Recent history of falls
• Medications greater than 4 per day
• Incontinence
• Poor vision
• Decreased cognition
• Decreased mobility/balance/strength
• Light headed feeling when going from sit to stand
• Age (over 65)
• Osteoporosis

Environmental factors may include:

• Cluttered room/house
• Poor lighting
• Inadequate handrail support/or broken or unstable walker/equipment
• Loose cords/wiring
• Uneven/wet floor, throw rugs
• Inappropriate footwear
• Low toilet seats

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends four things you can do to prevent falls:

• Begin a regular exercise program
• Review your medications with your doctor
• Have your eyes checked each year
• Check your home for hazards

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Home

Hazards

• Remove throw rugs, runners, cords and small objects.
• Use a slip resistant mat at all sinks.
• Tack down or tape carpet edges.
• Clear pathways of furniture.
• Repair torn flooring.
• Avoid using a step stool.

Lighting

• Adjust curtains/blinds to prevent a glare.
• Change light bulbs to assure best lighting.
• Use a night light in the kitchen, hallways, and restrooms.

Reaching/Bending

• Store commonly used items on lower shelves or on countertops.
• Store pots and pans on backburner or on hooks.
• Place commonly used clothing on shelves or in drawers at waist or shoulder height.

Furniture

• Remove wheels from chairs.
• Repair or remove any furniture that is hazardous or not sturdy.
• Do not use a table as a support. Anchor any moveable tables against a wall.
• Use firm chair or sofa with arms. Add firm cushions or folded blankets to raise the seat.
• Adjust bed frame to best height for transfers. Add a bed board to increase firmness, reposition the bed for easy access.

Bathroom

• Use a non skid rubber mat in the shower and tub.
• Keep bathmat off the floor when not in use.
• Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
• Replace worn rubber tips of tub chair/bench.
• Use a commode over the toilet or install a raised toilet seat.

Telephone

• Install a phone in the kitchen and bedroom.
• Replace phones with cords with cordless telephones.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers near the phone in large print, or have your important numbers on auto-dial.