For Ariel, an Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice occupational therapist with 14 years of experience, fall prevention starts with staying active and maintaining healthy routines.
“Staying active and maintaining a routine are so important,” Ariel shared. “You don’t want someone’s whole world to become confined to a recliner. Getting up, moving to another room and incorporating exercise into the day can help support both physical and overall well-being.”
Here are some of Ariel’s practical tips for reducing fall risk.
Keep moving and stretching
Regular exercise can help maintain strength and balance. Ariel recommends incorporating balance exercises, including one-legged stances and weight shifting. Activities such as yoga and tai chi can also help improve balance and flexibility.
Exercise does not have to mean a formal workout. Getting up throughout the day and moving to another room can help break up long periods of sitting. When possible, caregivers can participate, too.
Check vision, hearing and medications
Regular vision and hearing checkups can help older adults stay aware of their surroundings and navigate safely.
Ariel also recommends having medications reviewed annually, particularly when new medications have been added. Some medications or combinations can cause dizziness or other side effects that may increase fall risk.
Bring an up-to-date medication list to appointments so providers and specialists can review medications together and identify potential interactions.
Create a safer environment
Keep floors and walkways free of clutter and tripping hazards. Pay particular attention to bathrooms, where wet surfaces can create additional risks.
Good lighting is important, too. Make sure hallways, stairways and other frequently used areas are well lit. Night-lights or automatic lights can be especially helpful when getting up after dark.
Slow down when standing
Standing up too quickly can cause dizziness. Ariel recommends rising slowly and pausing before taking that first step. Giving the body a moment to adjust can help provide a steadier transition.
Fall prevention is about supporting independence, not limiting it. Small changes to daily routines, medications, exercise and the home environment can make a meaningful difference.
If you have concerns about fall risk or mobility, talk with a health care provider or occupational or physical therapist about strategies tailored to your needs. For more information about Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, visit ohioliving.org/home-health-hospice.