How Your Healthcare Providers Can Help with Falls Prevention
Health care providers have our best interests at heart. They help us maintain good health and overcome or manage a health condition. Being open and honest with them is important. If they don’t know about something, they can’t help you.
Talk with your doctor if you:
- Have had a stumble and you’re afraid of a fall
- Are concerned about your balance
- Aren’t feeling as well as you usually do
- Have concerns about the medications and supplements you’re taking
- Would like an assessment of your risk of falling
When it comes to medications:
- Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist
- Check that prescription side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Report side effects such as dizziness, wooziness, imbalance when walking, sleepiness, or confusion.
- Take medications only as prescribed
- Use only one pharmacy for prescriptions, as your pharmacist can track all the medications you are taking and knows which don’t work well together
This episode offers insights and encouragement about partnering with your primary care physician (PCP) and pharmacist to address overall health, any concerns we may have, and how to engagement them in assessing and lower our risk of a fall.
There are several health-related issues that might concern you:
- blood pressure
- vision or hearing changes
- medication side effects
- use of assistive devices
- knee, hip, and/or foot pain
Your PCP and pharmacist can ease concerns and help with a plan forward. Team with healthcare professionals (this may also include a referral to a Physical Therapist or podiatrist) to improve balance, strength, and endurance. Falls prevention truly is a team effort.
Physical activity and movement are good for us physically, mentally, and socially. Engage friends and family to get involved. Spend time outside, get some fresh air and Vitamin D. Don’t forget your senior or community center as a value resource for programs and supports to keep you fit, motivated, and engaged. This can all add to our well-being and minimize our risk of falls.
Not sure where to start? We can help you navigate the options. Schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Care Managers. CLICK HERE to schedule a get-acquainted call.
RESOURCES
- Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medications to Review if You’re Concerned About Falling– Better Health While Aging website blog article
- Enhance Fitness
- Northshore Senior Center – YouTube channel– yoga
- Seattle Parks and Recreation Lifelong Recreation
- Check your local senior, community, or recreation center, or Y for classes!