Home Safety Tips to Prevent Falls & Fractures for Seniors | Doc Cherry

Hello again to everyone. This is Doc Sherry, Doctor of Physical Therapy. If you're new here on my channel, please don't forget to click the subscribe and bell buttons below. so that you will become part of our community and receive weekly health updates that will benefit our seniors, you, and your family. Fractures are very common among our elderly patients. These will lead to surgeries that will cost you your money. For instance, to date, here in the Philippines, a hip replacement costs approximately PHP 200,000 to PHP 300,000 per hip. And imagine the trouble it could cause you. Many of these fractures occur at home, especially now that many of our seniors spend most of their time at home. As one ages, there is a decrease in muscle strength, and balance may become difficult. and to add, osteoporosis or weakening of the bones is already very common. In this video, I will teach you eight easy and practical tips to avoid fractures and falls in your household. Number one, have handrails on both sides of the stairs and use these handrails every time you use the stairs. If one of your legs is painful or weak, always remember to put the good foot first when going up. Then the bad leg or the weaker leg goes down first when descending. So remember it easily, remember the code. The good leg goes to heaven and the bad leg goes to hell. which means stepping up the stairs with the good foot first and the bad or weak leg first when descending. Number two, increase lighting throughout the entire house, especially at the top and bottom of the stairs. And always make sure that light is already available when you get up at night. Always keep flashlights ready beside your bed just in case there is a brownout. plus emergency contact numbers in case you need help. Number three, always keep the area where you walk clean and tidy. Remove clutter such as rugs, wires, and even your grandchildren's toys if you have any at home. As simple as it may seem, this could still cause you to trip. Number four: If you have carpets at home, make sure they are firmly fixed to the floor. You can do so by purchasing non-slip strips, which are available at various hardware stores. However, if you don't have carpets at home, never attempt to walk on wet or newly washed floors. Number five, in your comfort room, you can install grab bars to hold onto. You can place it near the toilet, near the tub, and just inside the shower. The use of non-slip mats inside the bathroom is also highly recommended. Shower chairs and handheld showers are also recommended for our seniors who have reduced mobility. and for those who have difficulty with their balance, this allows them to sit while taking a shower. Shower chairs and handheld showers can only be purchased online through Amazon, Walmart, and even here on Lazada. Number six: Never stand on a chair or a table in an attempt to reach something that is too high. Ask for someone's help or use a thick stick instead. Rich sticks can be purchased at various hardware stores and even different medical supply retailers. Number seven: As much as you love your pets, don't let your dogs and cats trip you up. Always be mindful of where your pet is every time you're walking or standing. Many of my patients have suffered hip fractures due to this. Number eight: When sitting, always make sure that the back of your knee is touching the edge of the chair or the bed you are going to sit on, and not far from it. This is a caring and friendly reminder for all our seniors to protect yourselves from falls and fractures, and ultimately to save your money and precious time. Please share this simple yet overlooked information with your friends so that we can reach and help more people. If you need a video to help strengthen your bones, please click on the video above, and I'll see you here. Which of these eight tips are you going to apply right now to help you prevent falls at home? Please leave a comment below, as I would truly love to hear from you. If you have any questions regarding falls, fractures, or any other topics I may assist you with, please leave a comment below, and I will certainly get back to you. This is again Doc Sherry. Stay safe, stay healthy, God bless you.