Slippery sidewalks, uncovered electrical cords, small dogs and cats, a misplaced laundry basket: it only takes a moment to lose your balance. For older adults, the results can be life-altering.

Statistically, the consequences of falls are devastating. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that one out of every three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls and fall-related injuries have been the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults 65 years and older. In 2007, over 18,000 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries. Consider these statistics from the CDC:

In 2007, over 18,000 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries.
Twenty to thirty percent (20-30%) of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death.
Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling.

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence says that successful fall prevention involves three main strategies:

Balance training and physical activity
Medical management (including medications and vision checks)
Environmental/home modifications.

A combination of all three is necessary to prevent falls both in the home and the community. Other important specific interventions also include education, assistive devices, visual interventions, and footwear interventions.

Whether you are an older adult, a caregiver, or are simply interested in fall prevention techniques, Active Medical carries a wide variety of products designed to make your home safer. Many times the stigma over using a walking aid or an individual’s personal sense of pride may preclude them from taking the necessary steps for fall prevention. Luckily, the available options of fall prevention assistive device and their ease of use may help alleviate the stigma while offering optimal safety.

According to the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, the majority of fall injuries among older people happen inside the home; an additional 23% occurred outside but near the home and 22% of falls happened outside the home.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to make your home fall-safe.

For safety in the bathroom, we offer bath mats, toilet seat risers, toilet safety frames, shower chairs, and grab bars.
For safety in the bedroom, we offer bed rails and bed handles.
For safety in the living room, we offer reachers and various walker accessories.
For safety outside or in the community, we offer ice grip cane attachments or walkers.
For safety getting in and out of vehicles, we offer the handybar, the car caddie, and the swivel seat.

It may be time to assess if you or a loved one needs to consider a walking aid: walkers or canes. Walkers come with a variety of both safety features and conveniences. Nova walkers come with a patented “feather light” braking system and an under the seat storage pouch. Our variety of walker accessories includes pouches, trays, drink holders, among other things.

Please come by our store, conveniently open six days per week, and let us help you make your fears less and your home safer.