“Taking a tumble” makes light of falling but falls should be taken seriously. According to the Center for Disease Control, falls are a major risk for older Americans since they are the leading cause of injury death and the most common cause for nonfatal injuries. In 2010, 2.3 million older adults were treated in emergency rooms for injuries from falls and 662,000 of them needed hospitalization.
A fall can happen in seconds but require weeks and even months of recovery time. Many people mistakenly think that since summer is here and the ice and snow are gone, the risk of falling is no longer an issue. But falls happen in all seasons, including summer.
Here are a few strategies to reduce your risk of falling this summer:
Keep hydrated
A few hours of fun in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. When you become overheated or dehydrated, you are likely to feel dizzy or a little disoriented and may fall. Try to plan your activities for the early morning or evening hours when the sun is not as intense. If you need to be under the midday sun, be sure to have an ample supply of water to sip throughout the day.
Watch out for rain
A heavy rain can mean slippery sidewalks, blacktop and grass. After a rain, be extra careful when walking outdoors. Mud can be as slippery as ice so steer clear of mud that has washed up onto walkways during a storm. When you return inside after walking outdoors after a rain, be aware that the soles of your shoes may be wet and slippery, especially when walking on tile. Take a moment to dry off those soles before heading into the house.
Navigate nature carefully
Hiking on a beautiful day is very enjoyable but if the terrain is not familiar, you need to be extra watchful for buckled walkways, tree roots across the path, unseen holes or dips in the turf. Enjoy the scenery but tread carefully to remain safe.
Forget the flip flops
Although sandals and other breezy summer styles seem comfortable, they may not provide the best support when walking around outdoors on uneven surfaces. Give careful consideration to your footwear choice before heading out for a walk in the woods or a long day at the festival. Non-slip soles, arch support and a good fit go a long way in avoiding a fall.
Focus on your vision
When you first step outside into the bright sunlight, give your eyes a moment to adjust to the change before starting to walk. Sunglasses will help with this transition and are helpful in both reducing your fall risk and protecting your eyes. It is always a good idea to get your eyes checked on a regular basis to be sure your prescription is giving you the best vision possible.
Keep pathways clear, well lit
Summer is the time for pulling out the hose to water flowers, setting up lawn furniture and other outdoor activity. Your yard that was once empty may now be filled with trip hazards if you aren’t careful. Put away the hose and keep those pathways clear to reduce fall risks. If you decide to take an evening stroll, be sure to leave the porch light on and keep pathways illuminated to reduce the chance of tripping on an obstacle hidden in the moonlight.
Get proper care after a fall
After falling, it’s important to seek medical attention for pain or injury. If the injury is severe, like a broken hip, be prepared to spend time recovering. One of the best ways to regain mobility and flexibility following a serious fall is to spend time at Whitehall of Deerfield where there is a team of medical professionals ready to help each guest. To begin, highly skilled therapists work with guests to regain their ability to return to an active lifestyle. Since no two people have the same set of needs, therapy sessions are conducted one-on-one so that the physical therapists can focus solely on your specific needs and continually encourage you to push forward to reach your personal goals.
The experts at Whitehall of Deerfield also have the cutting-edge skills and equipment needed to reduce the chance of developing pneumonia following a hospital stay with a full-time respiratory therapist and incentive spirometry, a medical device designed to clear the lungs and encourage deep, full breathing. The attentive staff also expertly assists with pain management and makes sure all medications are taken on schedule to reduce complications.
At Whitehall of Deerfield, guests enjoy their stay in well-appointed rooms with luxurious amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, concierge service, daily delivery of Starbucks coffee and a newspaper, dozens of cable channels with a 24-hour channel of newly released movies and even valet parking for visitors.
Guests can also enjoy a wide-ranging choice of cuisine from selective menus as well as a variety of dining settings. An on-site ice cream parlor and coffee shop offer fresh baked goods in the mornings and ice cream treats in afternoon, as well as gourmet coffee all day long.
To learn more or schedule a tour, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.
