Falls can be fatal for your aged loved ones because they can suffer serious injuries after falling. Once an aging adult falls, it becomes more likely for them to fall again. No matter what your fitness level or age is, it is important to learn strategies to reduce the risk and to minimize the severity of the injuries which result from the fall. Falling can lead to broken bones or even serious head injuries. Even though falling is unplanned, it is always good to be prepared. Read more to learn about how to fall safely and reduce injury.
Loosen Up
It is natural to tense up when you sense that you are about to fall. But this also means that you are likely to face a greater impact. Instead, try to exhale and let go of tension as you begin to fall.
Bend Your Elbows and Knees
A near-squat position will make it more likely for you to roll onto your back or behind, rather than a part of your body that is less cushioned. Avoid falling with your arms and hands outstretched, even though it is a natural reaction. Doing so will increase your chances of breaking an arm or a wrist.
Tuck Your Chin or Turn Your Head
If you feel yourself falling backward, tuck your chin into your chest to prevent your head from hitting the ground with great force which may lead to a serious head injury or concussion. If you fall to one side, turn your head away from the direction of your fall. This will lessen the impact on your temple or face area.
Land on Muscle Not Bone
The best place to land on is the place where you have excess flesh and muscle. If it is not possible to land on your butt, try to shift to falling on the next thickest part. You can fall on your thighs rather than knees and biceps rather than elbows.
Keep Falling
When you fall, the immediate reaction is to try and stop yourself from falling. However, this can make any injury even worse. When you fall, “roll” with the falling movement so that you spread the impact over a larger area of the body. This lessens the impact on any particular part so that you can reduce the risk of injuries.
TerraBella Lake Norman
TerraBella Lake Norman provides you with various options for senior community living such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs. Here, we offer the dream lifestyle as we have excellent amenities for our residents to enjoy. Staying at a senior living community is a great idea if you want to minimize the risk of your loved ones falling and suffering injuries. The highly trained team of staff is here to ensure their safety and take care of all their needs. If you are interested to find out more, feel free to contact us today!
