Four things YOU can do
to prevent falls

Falls are the most common cause of injury in elderly persons, accounting for 84 % of all hip fractures. Falls were also the second-leading cause of unintentional-injury deaths during 1996, numbering 14,100 (National Safety Council's Accident Facts). More than half occur at home and nearly four out of five involve a person 65 years of age or older.

Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling.

You can reduce your chances of falling by doing these things:

1. Begin a regular exercise program
Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful.

Lack of exercise leads to weakness
and increases your chances of falling.

Ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program
for you.

2. Make your home safer
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:

	•	Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
	•	Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
	•	Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
	•	Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and the tub or shower.
	•	Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
	•	Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lampshades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
	•	Have handrails and lights put in all staircases.
	•	Wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and shoes with deep treads.

3. Have your healthcare provider review your medicines
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take (including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.

4. Have your vision checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Department of Surgical Education,
Trauma, and Research, in collaboration
with Santa Barbara County Emergency
Medical Services, local physicians, and
allied providers of care are committed
to decreasing the frequency and severity
of fall injuries in our community.

If you have any questions about
this fall prevention program, please call us.

Fall Prevention Brochure (PDF)

For more information, contact:
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention
4770 Buford Highway, NE
Mailstop K-63
Atlanta, GA 30341

http://www.cdc.gov/injury