Pay particular attention to:
Floors: Remove clutter and objects you could trip over.
Rugs: Remove loose rugs or secure them appropriately.
Stairs: Keep them well lit and use secure railings.
Bathroom: Consider grab bars around the shower, bathtub and toilet.
Lighting: Make sure hallways, stairs and frequently used rooms are easy to see at night.
These aren’t dramatic changes, but they can address several common environmental risk factors.
5. Neglecting Vision Checks
Your eyes provide essential information about your surroundings.
If you can’t clearly see an obstacle, step, change in floor height or uneven surface, avoiding it becomes more difficult.
Vision problems are a recognized fall risk factor, and the CDC recommends regular eye examinations and keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date.
Hearing and other sensory changes can matter too. The National Institute on Aging recommends having both vision and hearing tested because changes in these senses are associated with increased fall risk.
One More Risk Factor People Often Forget: Medications
This isn’t a “mistake,” but it’s important enough to mention.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness or confusion and make a person less steady.
Taking several medications can further complicate the situation.
Don’t stop prescribed medication on your own.
Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review everything you take — including over-the-counter products — and determine whether any could be contributing to dizziness or balance problems. The CDC specifically recommends medication reviews as part of fall prevention.
Losing Balance Isn’t Simply “Normal Aging”
Age can increase fall risk, but frequent falls shouldn’t simply be accepted as inevitable.
The CDC emphasizes that falls are not a normal part of aging and that many can be prevented.
If you or someone close to you has started feeling unsteady, has fallen recently, or is afraid of falling, mention it to a healthcare professional.
An evaluation may identify something that can be addressed, such as a medication side effect, vision problem, muscle weakness, blood-pressure issue, or another medical condition.
