September is Falls Prevention and Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on safety strategies, especially for stroke survivors. Did you know that up to 73% of stroke survivors experience falls within the first year? Falls are not only common but can also lead to serious injuries that impact recovery.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Stroke survivors often face challenges such as muscle weakness, balance issues, and impaired vision, all of which increase the risk of falling. According to the National Institute on Aging, falls account for 40% of injury-related hospital admissions among stroke survivors. It’s essential to understand these risks to prevent falls effectively.
Some ideas to prevent falls are:
Remove all throw rugs in your home, a major trip hazard.
Walk slowly and with purpose, i.e., pay attention to what you're doing. It's easy to be absent-minded & frankly - bored - when doing such routine tasks, but try.
When making a turn, focus and move slowly through that turn.
Hold onto furniture, if necessary. I know we're all trying to get away from that, but if it prevents a fall, it's well worth the 'slippage.'
Just some thoughts, from recent experience!
The Power of Social Support
Strong social support networks are linked to better recovery outcomes. Engaging in community activities or joining an online support group can provide the encouragement needed to stay active and prevent falls.
Final Thoughts
Preventing falls is a crucial part of stroke recovery. By taking proactive steps and using the resources available, stroke survivors can significantly reduce their risk and continue on their path to recovery with confidence.
For more detailed information, visit the Brain Injury Association of America, American Stroke Association, CDC Falls Prevention, and NIH.
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