It’s just a fact of life. Your risks of getting hurt in a fall increase as you age due to muscle weakness, declining bone density, decreased vision and lower hearing thresholds. Even side effects from certain medications can impact your balance and mental clarity, putting you at risk.
Every year, about 1 million older adults end up in the hospital after taking a tumble, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news: Taking a few easy preventive measures can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your chances of falling.
Ovation Heartwood Preserve, a premier senior living community in Omaha, takes the safety of its residents seriously across an entire collection of housing choices, from independent apartments to assisted-living accommodations and memory-care units (including a female-only option). Families also have the peace of mind in knowing that if a fall does happen, their loved one will immediately be evaluated and appropriately cared for by professionally trained staff who are always available 24/7. All new residents receive a courtesy balance test and have access to balance clinics with Aegis Therapies, who provide on-site OT and PT services.
In addition to safeguarding its upscale living spaces, Ovation Heartwood Preserve goes to great lengths to ensure that all its common areas, outdoor spaces and dining rooms are easy to navigate safely. And residents never have to worry about falling and hurting themselves while performing the chores and tasks of daily living such as lawn care, cleaning and shoveling snow — Ovation’s got it all covered, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle that allows everyone who calls this community home to fully enjoy living their best lives.
Wherever you live, though, a few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your safety at home and reducing your fall risks. Walk through your living environment, noting anything that might cause you to trip. Then take action, fixing broken steps, repairing uneven flooring, and removing loose throw rugs and clutter. In bathrooms, place non-skid mats in the bottom of tubs and showers and add grab bars around toilets and tub/shower entries if needed.
Lighting is important too. Replace any burned-out bulbs and add extra lighting in dim areas like staircases, hallways and outdoor walkways so you can safely see where you’re stepping. And speaking of walking, give your footwear some consideration — throw out or repair shoes and slippers that have loose soles or broken laces.
Keeping your body strong and healthy through diet, exercise and regular checkups is another good fall prevention tip. Ovation Heartwood Preserve makes it easy for residents to prioritize good health with nutritious menu options at a choice of dining accommodations that include both casual and upscale options. In addition, a state-of-the-art fitness center, walking trails, a warm-water pool, exercise classes, spa services and other attractive on-site amenities are available to encourage and support an active lifestyle.
For more information about Ovation Heartwood Preserve or to schedule a tour, call 402.235.4446 or go online to ovationheartwoodpreserve.com.
