Table 1 — Patient Tips: How to Reduce the Risk of Falls^1,2

Take charge: Talk to your health care providers to identify your risk factors for falls.

Get involved: Take an active role in creating fall prevention strategies that fit your needs, lifestyle, and goals. If, for instance, you still are storing food and other items on high shelves, you may want to consider asking someone to help you bring everything down so you aren�t reaching up for things, even infrequently.

Remember: Unless you are satisfied with a plan to reduce the risk of falling, it is unlikely that you will follow through with it.

Prioritize: Falls often are caused by many factors and may require a variety of prevention efforts, such as reducing the number of prescription medications, changing positions slowly to avoid a drop in blood pressure, and installing grab-bars by the toilet. Once you�ve identified your fall risk factors, decide which ones you want to address first. Consider which change is the easiest to make and which will have the greatest positive impact on your health. Success in eliminating one risk factor will motivate you to continue your efforts.

Exercise: Exercises that improve balance, such as tai chi, have been shown to reduce fall risk. Talk with your doctor and explore community resources to find an exercise program that will work for you. You can gain support to stick with an exercise program by exercising with a friend.

Be assertive: Make requests�for a seat on a crowded bus, for example, or to have a dangerous throw rug removed. Everyone needs advice and assistance from time to time. Such requests are a way to help you avoid a fall and maintain independence.

Have a contingency plan: Know what you will do should you fall when you are alone. Find out from your health care provider about the best way to get up after a fall, and have a plan for reaching help. Also, ask someone to routinely check on you to ensure your safety.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Falls among older adults: A summary of research findings. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/SummaryOfFalls.htm. Accessed April 5, 2005.

2. Centers for Disease Control. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Falls and hip fractures among older adults. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm. Accessed April 5, 2005.