Fall Prevention Week is coming up soon, from September 22 to 26, and it's a great time to focus on ways to help seniors stay safe on their feet. According to the CDC, falls are the main cause of injury for people 65 and older, with one in four falling each year.
Things like poor lighting, messy walkways, or changes in balance from aging can lead to these falls, but the good part is that most risks can be fixed with simple steps.
Addington Place of Burlington sits right in the heart of Burlington, IA, offering a supportive environment for seniors. We blend independence with just the right amount of help to make daily life easier and more fun.
In this article, we share easy tips and ideas from our years of experience in senior care, so you can feel good about avoiding falls in older adults. Let's take a look!
Fall Prevention Week, set for September 22 to 26 this year, brings people together across the country to share ideas on keeping seniors steady and strong. Groups like the National Council on Aging lead the charge with tools and events that teach simple ways to spot risks and build better habits.
In areas like Burlington, IA, local agencies join in too, offering workshops that fit right into community life. We see this as a chance to empower everyone with fall prevention strategies that work in real life.
One smart approach involves checking your space for hazards:
Studies from the Mayo Clinic show these steps cut risks by up to 25 percent in homes. Daily habits matter as well.
Fall prevention strategies like these turn awareness into action, and during Fall Prevention Week, many folks find free checklists online or at local spots to get started.
What if everyday choices could keep you or a loved one safer at home? Senior safety tips focus on easy fixes that tackle common risks head-on.
Some medications can cause dizziness, so note any side effects and talk them over during checkups. We help with medication management at our community, organizing doses to fit daily needs without the hassle.
Add in regular hearing tests, since poor hearing can throw off balance.
Make it personal by creating a safety checklist. Mark off items like testing smoke alarms or adding handrails on stairs.
Involve family for extra eyes on potential spots. These senior safety tips foster independence while cutting risks, letting folks focus on what brings joy.
Ready to boost stability with moves that fit into any day? Balance exercises for seniors offer a fun way to strengthen legs and core without fancy gear.
Begin with something basic like the single-leg stance.
Try heel-to-toe walking next.
Do this in a hallway for safety. Head rotations work well, too.
These moves sharpen coordination and reduce sway.
For variety, add standing marches. Lift knees one at a time while holding a counter, aiming for 20 marches.
Tai chi-inspired moves involve shifting weight from one leg to the other slowly.
Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights how balance exercises for seniors cut fall risks by improving reaction times. In Burlington, IA, seniors can practice these during gentle walks in Crapo Park, where flat paths along the river make it ideal.
How can you keep moving without worry? Mobility safety for seniors starts with choosing the right tools and habits.
If needed, a cane or walker provides steady support. Pick one that fits your height for best use. Practice with it on even ground first, like sidewalks in Burlington's downtown.
Good posture helps a lot. Stand tall with your shoulders back to distribute weight evenly. Take smaller steps on uneven surfaces, and look ahead instead of down. For stairs, use handrails and go one step at a time.
Mobility safety for seniors includes warming up before activity, such as simple ankle circles or arm swings loosen joints.
We encourage mindful movement in our programs, tailoring it to each person. Build these measures into your week for smoother, happier days.
Our assisted living services offer help with daily tasks like dressing, all while encouraging independence. For memory care, special programs keep minds engaged with gentle activities that include safe movement.
Residents join group games or meals that build connections and keep bodies active. Private apartments provide cozy spaces, and our team ensures paths stay clear. We focus on personalized plans that match each person's needs, from medication management to friendly chats.
As we wrap up our chat about staying steady, let's remember that Fall Prevention Week isn't just a few days in September. It's a reminder to keep safety front and center all year long.
At Addington Place of Burlington, we stand out by treating every resident like family, blending just the right mix of independence and personalized support in a warm community setting.
Ready to see how we make safety and joy part of everyday life? Reach out to us today to schedule a visit and discover the difference for yourself.