Fall Prevention
This is the leading cause of injury in older adults
What are falls?
This sense helps you know where your body is without looking.
What is proprioception?
PT helps improve this to make walking easier.
What is strength?
OT helps people perform these everyday activities.
What is ADLs and IADLs?
These should be removed from walking paths.
What are throw rugs?
Wearing these inside the house helps prevent slipping.
What are non-slip shoes or supportive footwear?
Standing on one leg while holding onto a counter helps improve this.
What is balance?
PT often includes exercises to improve this.
What is flexiblity?
OT may recommend these in the bathroom for safety.
What are grab bars?
Good lighting is especially important in these areas.
What are hallways, stairs, and bathrooms?
This should be cleaned up right away to prevent falls.
What are spills or clutter?
Strong muscles in this part of the body help prevent falls.
What is the legs and core?
This is the speed at which you walk
What is gait?
This long-handled device helps put on socks.
This long-handled device helps put on socks.
Keep frequently used items at this level to avoid climbing.
What is waist or shoulder height?
You should always use this if your therapist recommends it.
What is a walker or cane?
Looking straight ahead instead of at your feet can improve this.
What is walking posture and balance?
PT can help reduce this while improving movement.
What is pain?
OT teaches energy conservation to reduce this.
What is fatigue?
This emergency device can summon help after a fall.
What is a medical alert system or call button?
Standing up too quickly can cause this, increasing fall risk.
What is dizziness or lightheadedness?
Tai Chi is known to improve this and reduce falls.
What is balance and coordination?
Repeated practice of safe transfers helps improve this skill.
What is getting in and out of a chair or bed safely?
OT helps make this safer by recommending home modifications.
What is the home environment?
This room is where older adults experience the highest number of falls at home.
What is the bathroom?