Go easy on the lifting, bending, etc. as spring arrives

Mid-March, and we can almost start to believe that spring is just around the corner. It is a time of year when we are anxious to enjoy activities we had to forego during the bad weather, and it is also a time of year when we look at our homes and think it would be nice to “freshen up” a bit.

While we are in that mood, it would be a good idea to include looking at the risk factors for falls since they are one of the main reasons seniors end up in nursing homes. Perhaps you have been physically inactive during the recent bad weather; now is a good time to join a local exercise class and start to strengthen those leg muscles. Check your senior center, the VNA or nearby Y for spring offerings.

Since falls in the home lead to more than 2.3 million emergency room visits and 21,000 deaths in the over-65 populace, take a careful look at the following areas in your home:

Bathroom: Use a rubber mat inside the tub and a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub. Use a sturdy seat if you can’t lower yourself safely in the tub. Install grab bars in the shower or bath area. Invest in a “high” toilet or use a seat with armrests. Always keep a night light on in the bathroom.

Kitchen: Never go barefoot in the kitchen, and clean up any spills immediately. Invest in pull-out storage shelves that are easy to reach. Don’t stand on chairs to reach items. Use a “grabber.” Get rid of throw rugs!

Stairs: Keep completely free of boxes, packages and clutter. Light switches need to be both at the top and bottom of the stairs and handrails on both sides. Lighting needs to be bright so that you can see each step clearly. A good idea is to paint the edge of each step in a light color. Nonslip rubber treads on bare wood steps increase safety.

Bedroom: You need to have a lamp, telephone and flashlight next to your bed. A night light along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom can prevent sleepy stumbles. Arrange clothes in your closet so they are easy to reach. Have additional rods installed where they are accessible for you. Again, the inexpensive “grabber” is great for reaching items that are high up. A quality, comfortable mattress is important. Consider one with a motorized attachment that allows you to lower and raise the head or foot of the bed.

Living room: Arrange furniture so there is a clear pathway. Light switches need to be at the entrance to a room so you do not go into a dark space. All loose electrical wires need to be fastened down. Replace old worn, hard-to-get-out-of sofas and chairs by selecting chairs with arms and firm, high-cushioned sofas.

Remove door sills that are higher than a half-inch.

If you have animals, be alert to their whereabouts so that they don’t dash in front of you and cause you to trip.

EVERYONE WHO LIVES ALONE SHOULD WEAR A MEDICAL ALERT DEVICE AT ALL TIMES! I can’t stress this strongly enough. Falls do occur and when they do, you need help immediately. Cellphones are not an effective alternative.  

If you feel you are losing your balance and are about to fall, the experts suggest that you do not extend your arms to try to break the fall; instead, raise your arms to protect your head and try to fall on your side or buttocks and then roll over. Then, slide or crawl to the nearest chair, get on your knees and then slowly pull yourself up.

Since it is almost spring, the one fall that is always allowed is to fall in love; wonderful at any age!

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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