EXC PHYSI
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Balance & Dizziness: How
Falling is one of the highest day-to-day risks for individuals 65 and older. With as many as 30% of falls resulting in a moderate to severe injury, it’s not uncommon to see a single fall as the beginning of a vicious cycle of health problems.
Falls are not inevitable and, in the vast majority of cases, are easily preventable. Here are some tips to help prevent falls and keep your patients safe at home. Warm-Up Before You Get Up Sometimes your patients can get lightheaded or dizzy when first standing up after sitting for a while, because blood pools in your feet. When your patients get up too quickly, their body doesn’t have enough time to get the blood up to their brain before they stand up. Your patients can help this by marching their feet or kicking their legs before they stand up to help their blood circulate. Keep The Home Free of Tripping Hazards • Patients should keep a clear walkway throughout their home. They should make sure there are no objects or furniture that they have to step over. Encourage them to make things easier on themselves! • Rugs should lay flat. A rug pad will help if rugs tend to bunch up, or slide. • They should keep an eye on their pets. Knowing where they are can help prevent tripping. A baby gate is a great way to keep pets off the stairs where many falls occur. Control The Environment • The majority of falls occur in the bathroom. We encourage patients to set up a shower bar and floor grip pads, even if they don’t feel unsteady right now. Make the change before they need it! By R. Dawson Marshall, PT, DPT
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