Falls are a very common problem for older people, but they are also very preventable. 
Did you know that as many as one and three older adults fall every year? This number is very concerning, especially when you consider all of the falls that go unreported and untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of injuries in seniors, and they can result in cuts, fractures and even brain injuries. Fall prevention is incredibly important, and that's why our long-term care experts in Elk Horn have come up with these tips for preventing falls:

#1. Keep the floors clear of clutter. 
Clutter can seem innocent enough, but a little bit of clutter on the floor can actually make it a lot easier to trip and fall. Make sure that your floors are clutter-free, especially your staircases and hallways.

#2. Install handrails and grab bars where necessary. 
It's all too easy to fall if you are unsteady when getting up and down, but handrails and grab bars can help you stay steady. It is especially important to install these things in the bathroom because it is considered to be the most dangerous place in the house for falls.

#3. Keep your space well-lit.
If there isn't an adequate amount of light, you have a high risk of tripping and falling, no matter how old you are. That is why it's important to make sure that your space is well-lit. It is also a good idea to keep a lamp or a flashlight right next to the bed so that you have access to light if you need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Learn more fall prevention tips when you stay tuned for our next blog.