The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths for people ages 60 and older. The Speak Up campaign offers tips and actions that can help people reduce the risk of falling:
• Taking care of your health, including exercising to improve strength and balance, staying hydrated, having an eye exam regularly and talking to your doctor about any side effects from medications that might cause drowsiness or confusion.
• Taking extra precautions, such as turning on the lights when entering a room, keeping walkways clear, using handrails on stairs and wearing proper shoes.
• Making small changes to your home, such as using motion sensors or timers for lights, placing nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms, removing throw rugs and applying non-slip decals on stairs and in bathtubs to reduce the risk of falls. Home care agencies, personal care and support agencies or community programs may be available to help you accomplish these tasks if you are older or disabled.
• Taking extra precautions in the hospital or nursing home, such as using the call button to ask for help to get out of bed or go to the bathroom, wearing non-slip socks, lowering the height of the bed and bed rails and telling the nurse or doctor if medicine is making you feel dizzy or sick.
Read the Joint Commission’s news release about the Speak Up campaign.
Read other coverage about patient safety:
– Florida’s Suncoast Eye Center Received Three-Year Accreditation From AAAHC
– CDC, SPIC Launch Campaign to Raise Awareness About Injection Safety
– Urologist Defends Illinois ASC, Industry Over Infection Control
