Preventing falls with occupational therapy Dyer IN
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults 65 and older. Understanding the causes of falls can help prevent them. Some of the things that can lead to falls in the home are problems with balance and gait, vision problems, medication side effects, clutter or obstacles in the environment, and chronic health conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. 
Here are some recommendations made by occupational therapists that can help older adults reduce their risk of falls.
- An OT may suggest furniture arrangements that provide plenty of space to walk freely in a room. He or she can evaluate whether the furniture is heavy enough to hold onto for balance. It may be recommended to remove throw rugs or to secure them to the floor to prevent tripping.
- An OT can review your entire living space and ensure that you can safely and easily get to the things you need for everyday living. He or she can help create a plan for accessing things that are used on a less frequent basis and are stored in places that are harder to reach.
- An OT may recommend installing grab bars and railings in appropriate locations throughout your home. He or she might also suggest applying non-slip strips or a rubber mat to the floor of your tub or shower to prevent slips.
- An OT can evaluate the lighting in your home, and may suggest additional or brighter lighting in certain areas, such as on the stairs or in the bathroom. They will also want to see that glare from lighting is minimized.
Some older adults become so afraid of falling that they stop doing activities that they enjoy, and reduce their quality of life. An occupational therapist can use an individual’s daily activities as the basis for a program that makes it possible for seniors to safely do the things that they want and need to do. Learn more at Occupational Therapy Dyer IN