BURN STATUS: No Burn Ban In Effect
Staying safe and independent is important at every stage of life. As we age, everyday risks can increase, but many injuries and emergencies are preventable with the right information and preparation. This page offers guidance to help older adults and senior recognize hazards, prevent falls, and take proactive steps to stay safe at home and in the community. The information is also designed to support family members, caregivers, and professionals who work with seniors.
Fire Safety for Older Adults
Fire safety is especially crucial for older adults. Changes in mobility, vision, hearing, or reaction time can make it harder to respond quickly in an emergency. Taking simple steps such as maintaining working smoke alarms, planning exit routes, and reducing fire hazards in the home can help lower the risk and improve safety.
1-minute video on Fire Safety for Older Adults by FEMA
Fall Prevention Education
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, but there are many ways to help prevent it. Below outlines common risk factors that lead to falling, steps to help prevent falls, and what to do in case you do fall.
It is important to be cautious and aware of risk factors for falls. Problems can arise when caution leads to fear. Fear of falling causes many older adults to limit their activities – thereby becoming inactive and often more isolated. This is especially true if the person has fallen before.
A lack of physical activity creates an even greater risk of falling. Being inactive can lead to poor leg strength, balance difficulties, and problems walking. Even a little activity strengthens bones and muscles, improves steadiness when walking, and helps prevent fractures.
If you avoid staying active because you’re afraid of falling, talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend a carefully monitored exercise program that’s right for you or refer you to a physical therapist who can help design a safe exercise program.
Falls Prevention Video by NYC Health + Hospitals
Fall Prevention; General Home Safety by Vancouver Costal Health
Common Risk Factors that Lead to Falls
- Vision and hearing problems.
- Certain medications used to treat hypertension, heart disease, allergy, insomnia, stomach acidity, and depression.
- Taking multiple medications.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Difficulty walking, foot problems, or issues with balance, coordination, or muscle weakness.
- Certain diseases or conditions such as joint disease, heart disease, stroke, or Parkinsons.
- Confusion from dementia, delirium, or depression.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Fall hazards in the home.
Steps to Help Prevent Falls
- Keep physically active. Regular, daily exercise helps to improve your balance, increase your flexibility, and build your strength.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly by a professional.
- Wear glasses and use your hearing aids (if needed).
- Use medication wisely. Have your prescriptions checked by your pharmacist or doctor periodically.
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Reduce fall hazards in your home.
- Find out if there are any gadgets or assistive devices that can help you stay independent and how to use them correctly.
- Wear the right type of shoes. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall.
- Slow down, watch where you’re going, and use handrails.
- Get up slowly after eating, lying down or resting. Low blood pressure at these times may cause dizziness.
What to Do if You Fall
If you do fall, try to land on your buttocks to prevent more serious injuries. Try not to land on a hip.
Stay calm. Take a few deep breaths and see if you have been hurt at all. Learn more about how to safely get up from a fall or help to help someone else get up from a fall.
If you are concerned that you may not have the ability to get up from a fall, talk with your doctor. Your doctors can talk with you about what types of exercise would help to improve your balance, increase your flexibility, and build your strength.
Health & Wellness Awareness
Overall health plays an important role in personal safety. Changes in vision, hearing, balance, or medication side effects can increase the risk of falls or emergencies. We encourage older adults and seniors to maintain regular checkups with health providers, discuss concerns related to balance, mobility or dizziness and review medications and potential side effects. Open conversation about health and wellness help support safer daily living.
Talking with Your Doctor: Helpful Tips
It’s always a good idea to have an open conversation with your doctor to learn more about how you can navigate and prevent health risks, especially when it comes to falling. Below are 6 tips on how to have a productive conversation during your next doctor’s visit:
- Write a list of things you want to talk about
- Ask for a falls risk assessment.
- Talk about other specialists.
- Be honest about your concerns.
- Take notes and ask for the notes from the doctor.
- Ask your doctor questions if you do not understand or need clarification.
7 Balance Exercises for Seniors – Fall Prevention by Physical Therapists, Bob & Brad
Additional Resources & Links
- The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the health, economic, security, and overall well-being of older adults. They are a trusted organization for resources, research and programs related to fall prevention, health aging, benefits access, chronic disease management, and caregiver support. Visit their website to learn more about older adult health and safety.
- Printable “My Falls-Free Plan” Assessment & Guide by WA State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- How to Safely Get up from the Floor Guide from DSHS
- How to Choose the Proper Shoes for your Feet Guide from DSHS
- Nearby Hospitals & Directions from South Kitsap
- WA State Department of Health: Safe Medication Return Disposal
- How to Dispose Sharps and Needles in Kitsap County