Lifestyle can play a big role in someone’s fall risk including different choices they make in their everyday life.
- If people are afraid of falling, they tend to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities. This can lead to a loss of function and more falls. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel this way. A training program, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or group fall risk classes, may be helpful. If you are concerned or fearful of falling, this can be treated.
- Limiting alcohol use to a maximum of 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks a day for men can help reduce falls. Avoid other recreational drugs or discuss with your healthcare provider as these may increase risk for a fall.
- Maintain a healthy diet by drinking adequate water and eating a diet balanced with enough protein, calcium and vitamin D. Your healthcare provider can discuss if you would benefit from a supplement.
Because lifestyle can play such a big role in someone’s risk to fall, it is a good idea to discuss your fall risk factors on a yearly basis with your healthcare team. They can help identify changes before they lead to a fall.
Hospitalization
If you are hospitalized, even for a planned procedure, you may be at an increased risk for falls. Be sure to bring your eyeglasses or hearing aids with you to the hospital. This can lower your risk of falling.
Walking several times daily, both in the hospital and when you get home is important. Make sure to use supports if you need them or ask for help.
After hospitalization, many people benefit from receiving physical or occupational therapy in the home or they may need to receive these services in a skilled nursing facility before going home (rehab center). The focus of this recovery is to regain any function loss or learn how to manage new functional changes and reduce your fall risk.
Don’t be afraid to ask for more help. It is common that people who have just been hospitalized may need more help when they first return home from family, friends or hired caregivers.
Planning for a fall
Have a plan if you do fall. Carry a cell phone or medical alert device to call for help. Make sure you know how to get off the floor or work with a physical therapist to learn how.
If you or someone you are caring for has a high risk of falling, consider seeing a geriatrician or other geriatrics healthcare professional. These providers have advanced training in the care of older adults, including people with problems related to falling.
Last Updated July 2024