Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors in Cypress, TX

According to the CDC, 14 million adults over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls can sideline seniors from activities they enjoy in beautiful Cypress, Texas, and lead to chronic pain. That's why it's essential to make every effort to minimize the potential for falls.

Read on to learn some of the best fall prevention tips to keep seniors in Cypress safe!

Schedule Regular Medical Screenings

Preventing falls in older adults starts with staying on top of routine medical appointments. Seniors should have a primary care doctor as well as the necessary specialists they see as needed in Cypress. And they should attend all recommended routine checkups. 

A licensed medical provider can do physical evaluations at annual checkups to help seniors understand their fall risks. For instance, a history of falls or a chronic condition could elevate the risk for some seniors. For others, cardiovascular issues or foot problems could contribute to a higher risk. 

Seniors can't afford to neglect regular medical care, including screenings. Seniors  should get:

• Hearing tests
• Visions tests
• Bone density tests

These routine screenings can catch problems before they worsen and, in some cases, result in interventions. Hearing aids can give seniors better awareness of their surroundings, for instance. And dietary and activity changes could help some seniors fortify their bones. 

Understand Medication Side Effects

At medical appointments, seniors should be sure to ask their providers about potential side effects that come with prescribed medications. Without this knowledge, seniors may unknowingly increase their chance of falling. Some medications may make seniors:

• Dizzy
• Weak
• Tired
• Confused

Some medications can also cause blurred vision or drops in blood pressure. Blood pressure medications and muscle relaxants are among the most common sources of side effects. Seniors taking several medications need to be especially careful about potential challenges. 

A pharmacist or doctor in Cypress will be able to go over the side effects and explain what can exacerbate them. For example, taking a dose at the wrong time or without food could trigger balance problems. 

Commit to an Active Lifestyle

When it comes to senior wellness in Cypress, staying active is key. Committing to daily physical exertion can help seniors stay fit and energized. Seniors can reap the benefits of activities such as:

• Walking
• Exercise classes
• Tai chi and yoga
• Cycling
• Light weights

Activities like yoga or tai chi can lead to stability and balance improvement. Seniors will also enhance their flexibility, which reduces the potential for falls. As another benefit, both tai chi and yoga emphasize concentration and mindfulness, which can help alleviate stress. 

For seniors eager to expand their social circle, exercise classes in their senior living community can make a lot of sense. They'll meet like-minded individuals while getting their heart rate pumping. And they'll gain the benefit of accountability by joining a group activity. 

Choose the Right Assistive Devices

Sometimes even the act of walking can seem daunting for seniors who have strength and mobility issues. Assistive devices can give seniors more confidence as they tackle daily tasks. Helpful options include:

• Walkers and canes
• Wheelchairs and scooters
• More supportive walking shoes
• Grab bars in hallways and bathrooms
• Nightlights in bedrooms

Some seniors may lack the stability to stand up easily from a sitting position. Walkers can be a huge asset in these moments, enabling seniors to move throughout their home more easily. In general, walkers and canes offer excellent mobility support so seniors can feel more confident. 

When seniors are home alone, grab bars can offer quick support if they suddenly feel unstable. Nightlights can make navigating to the bathroom easier at night. And for seniors on the go, walking shoes with enhanced supports can preserve energy and contribute to better balance. 

Audit Your Living Space

Even though a home living space may look welcoming, it could be a threat to senior safety. Seniors in Cypress should do regular audits to ensure that they aren't living in a home that contributes to a higher fall risk. 

Working with a friend or caregiver can be a useful strategy. Another set of eyes can spot problems that need to be addressed. Seniors should:

• Remove tripping hazards
• Add non-slip mats to bathrooms
• Upgrade their lighting

A dimly lit home can be dangerous. Seniors should work with friends or family members to install stronger lights and more of them. LED lights are brighter and more energy efficient, and it's best to aim for a mix of ambient and task lighting.

Even the cleanest homes can be full of unexpected tripping hazards. Seniors should forgo area rugs that are prone to bunching. And they should remove bulky furniture or items that can clutter walkways.

In rooms like bathrooms, where water can make floors slippery, non-slip mats are a must. Grab bars and an emergency call button in a bathroom can be smart additions, too. 

Use Community Resources

Senior fall safety can be a life-saving topic for older adults, and communities like Cypress provide resources to stay informed. Seniors need to recognize that they can benefit from:

• Attending fall prevention workshops
• Reading the latest educational materials 
• Joining activity classes

Fall prevention strategies are always evolving. Seniors can learn about the latest tips and tools by attending workshops sponsored by local organizations. And they'll boost their emotional wellness by feeling more prepared to stay secure. 

Signing up for a senior-focused exercise class in Cypress can help seniors nurture new friendships while engaging in safe activities. With a wider network of friends, seniors can trust that they will be surrounded by individuals eager to lend a helping hand when they need it. 

Focus on These Fall Prevention Tips

Following these fall prevention tips can help seniors feel more self-assured each day. They should commit to a healthier lifestyle, including more exercise and regular medical checkups. Seniors also should make sure their living spaces are safe and tap into community fall prevention resources. 

Spring Cypress Senior Living provides the best community amenities in Cypress, including a movie theater, fitness center, and library. Seniors can enjoy round-the-clock care from skilled staff members and join in the fun through our Celebrations Activities and Events. Contact us today to learn more!