{"id":79038,"date":"2024-11-25T14:30:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T21:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=79038"},"modified":"2024-11-25T14:31:32","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T21:31:32","slug":"how-to-stay-safe-from-falls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/how-to-stay-safe-from-falls\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t let a fall ruin your holiday plans"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

A flashlight, night light and sturdy slippers might not be the typical items you throw in your suitcase, but they could be the difference between a safe winter trip and one that lands you in the emergency department.<\/p>\n

Staying safe from falls is always important \u2013 especially when you\u2019re not in your home and there are new and unfamiliar potential hazards that could cause a spill.<\/p>\n

\"Don't
Don’t let a fall ruin your time with the grandchildren over the holidays. If traveling, pack a flashlight, night light and sturdy slippers. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIn general, holidays are busy, and we are distracted\u201d said Alison Weston, an injury prevention specialist with UCHealth\u2019s Northern Colorado trauma services program. \u00a0\u201cOne of the best ways to prevent a fall during this time is to plan ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control<\/a>, falls among adults 65 and older caused 38,000 deaths in 2021, making it the leading cause of injury death for that age group. In that same year, emergency departments throughout the U.S. saw a record three million visits for older adult falls.<\/p>\n

\u201cFall prevention is important because, although it\u2019s common with older adults, it\u2019s not a normal part of aging and there are ways to prevent it,\u201d said Weston. \u201cIt\u2019s easy to fall in snow and on ice, so you need to be as prepared as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Falls are responsible for more than 95% of hip fractures and are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.<\/p>\n

With those sobering statistics in mind, Weston offers fall prevention tips ahead of the busy holiday travel season.<\/p>\n

How to stay safe from falls<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Advocate for yourself. Communicate any concerns to friends and family before you visit.<\/li>\n
  • Ask homeowners to pick up toys and other clutter from pets and children before you arrive.<\/li>\n
  • Sit down before greeting small children and pets if you have balance issues.<\/li>\n
  • Bring a night light for the bedroom, hall or nearby bathroom, and use a flashlight when necessary to navigate in the dark.<\/li>\n
  • Stay hydrated, especially at higher elevations. If you consume alcohol, be aware of how it may interact with medication.<\/li>\n
  • Wear slippers or socks with grips on the soles.<\/li>\n
  • Be aware of throw rugs.<\/li>\n
  • Ask your host to place a bathmat or rubber strips in the bathtub.<\/li>\n
  • Pack proper footwear for outdoor activities, giving consideration to closed toe options with good treads.<\/li>\n
  • Talk to your pharmacist before your trip regarding any medication concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u201cFamily members and friends want to help, but don\u2019t always know how,\u201d said Weston. \u201cWe might be nervous to talk about our fear of falling, but we need to speak up. Communication is key.\u201d<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re staying in a hotel, ask for an accessible room that has a customized shower and tub. If an airport is part of your holiday plans, give yourself plenty of time. Request a wheelchair or transport assistance to the gates. While canes are allowed on airplanes, other similar items like walking sticks may not be allowed.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAirports are busy and crowded, so it helps to have an assistive device or transportation if you have a long walk to your gate,\u201d Weston said.<\/p>\n

    For those sticking closer to home, some additional fall-proof holiday advice\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Tending to a spill as soon as it happens so you don\u2019t slip.<\/li>\n
    • Thinking ahead if you will need help retrieving decorations or items located in a difficult spot.<\/li>\n
    • Keeping your cell phone charged and on your person in case of emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u201cAsk a family member or friend to reach up to that shelf or go down to the basement for you to retrieve those items so you won\u2019t be standing on stools or step ladders to get them yourself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

      If the worst occurs and you or someone else does sustain a fall, take a moment and assess the situation. Others around are going to want to help. If you aren\u2019t injured, try to get up by yourself, if possible, or tell them how they can best help you.<\/p>\n

      \u201cYou don\u2019t want someone injuring themselves or you more by pulling you up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

      Get emergency help or seek medical attention if you are concerned about injuries or if you have hit your head, especially if you are on blood thinners.<\/p>\n

      \u201cHolidays are wonderful, but with all the hustle, bustle and hurrying, we can become less aware. Slow down and focus on what you\u2019re doing,\u201d said Weston. \u201cHave your plan in place to avoid a fall and ask for \u2013 and accept \u2013 help.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      A flashlight, night light and sturdy slippers might not be the typical items you throw in your suitcase, but they could be the difference between a safe winter trip and one that lands you in the emergency department. Staying safe from falls is always important \u2013 especially when you\u2019re not in your home and there […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2357,"featured_media":79045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[710,109],"class_list":["post-79038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-community-health","tag-fall-prevention"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to stay safe from falls - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don't let a fall ruin the holiday season. 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