Quick course for prevention of falls

1. Fall prevention begins with yourself

When prevention of falls is discussed, it is especially important to keep moving.Keep activeis the perfect remedy for muscle weakness and balance problems. e.g. taking a bike when you go shopping, working in the garden, going swimming once a half hour a day is enough to optimise endurance and thus reduce the risk of falling. You can also perform strength and movement exercises, possibly with the help of a kinesitherapist.

Orthostatic hypotensionAccording to the Val- en fracturing prevention centre Flanders is one of the seven biggest risk factors for falling. This means that when you get straight from a seat or chair, your brain does not get enough oxygen so that it can come black in the eyes which leads to falls. It is important that when coming out of your seat you give yourself time. Stand up slowly and wait until possible dizziness has completely disappeared before you go away.

Have your eyes checked often enough, it is natural that low vision leads to fall behaviour. Make sure you place your glasses where you can always find them easily.

When your doctormedicationThe Commission will then examine the matter in greater detail.side effectstake your medication as prescribed.

Tools for this may be:
Running aids such as a roller, walker or walking stool.

2. Footwear and feet

Wearing wrong footwear is a very important cause of falling. Walking on stockings or bare feet does not help when you want to reduce fall risk. Some tips:

• - WearFixed footwearwhich completely encloses the foot
• - Make sure the sole is flat and not smooth with a possible relief
• - Avoid shoes that are openat the back like slippers and slippers
• - Make sure you wear shoes that are not in theright sizeare
  
  

You should also take good care of your feet. Take into account bunions, open wounds, ingrown nails, blisters or ulcers and discuss them with your doctor.

Living environment

Simple adjustments to the living environment can also help you prevent accidents.

General

Make sure you have enough in your homelightingin the case of stairs and in the bedroom, this prevents a deterioration of your vision. Try to make your stair safe by making clear where the steps are located,especially the first and last step! This can be done using colored strips or slip strips.sturdy railingis of utmost importance when you want to safely go up the stairs.

Use on the floorAs little mats and carpets as possible, these only pose danger to fall over. Do not leave unnecessary objects on the ground.

Also make sure that the garden path and driveway are well laid out withoutloose tiles. Here you can get help from others.

Tools for this may include:
If you do have a carpet or mat, take care of non-slip materials such as a bottom mat. Also replacement or adjustments of increases at passages such as threshold plates and removal of thresholds can help here. If the stairs are no longer an option, you may purchase a traplift. Non-sliding floors and tiles are also a solution.

Bedroom

Make sure you can easily reach your light switch from your bed. It is important that yourbed not too low or too highYour feet should be able to reach the ground from the edge of the bed.second telephone in your bedroom or mobilemay make sure you do not rush down the stairs when the phone rings.

Tools for this may include:
Falling mats next to the bed, furnitureists, high-level bed, pull-up brackets, a bed table...

Bathroom & WC

Get me adry floor that doesn't slip, when you are doing the personal care you best do this sitting. Make sure your toilet is at the right height.

Tools for this may include:
Supports, brackets (handles), shower seats, bath seats, toilet cushions, toilet...

Kitchen

It is useful that youmost used things at your fingertipsIf necessary, use a stable staircase and not a chair.

Deneuthe Maya

Sources:

https://www.cm.be/binaries/Folder-valves-avoidance_tcm375-102301.pdf

http://www.zorgforbeter.nl/parent care

http://www.valprevention.be/Welcome.aspx