The Risk Of Falling In Their Homes (NAPSA)}—Taking steps to pre- vent falls in the home can help keep seniors safe—particularly those with vision loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the U.S., making falls the leading cause of serious injury among older Americans. And people with visual impairments are almost twice as likely to fall as others. Age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma can alter depth perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare, Exercise balance. Foundation for the Blind (AFB) tub. * Install grabbarsin the bathroom—especially if you have balance problems. Arrange your furniture so that there is a clear path for walking, and keepclutter out of walkways. Avoid using furniture on wheels. * Add color-contrasting strips to steps and paint your banister a different color so that it stands out from thesteps. * Clap-on/clap-off lights in the living room and in your bedroom will keep you from having to get up from yourchairto adjust light. * Be certain that your homeis well lit and that you havelighting in strategic places such as doorways andnearstairs. * Consider learning to use a cane to be more confident and can help improve as well as the ability to adapt quickly from light to dark situa* Don’t store the things you tions. These symptoms can leave need in high places that would people with vision problems at an requirea step stool to reach. increasedrisk offalling. * Apply nonskid mats or To help seniors with vision loss appliqus in bold, contrasting colstay safe at home, the American orsto the surface of the shower or and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Commu- nity Occupational Therapy Ser vices Program created the video series “Preventing Falls by Adapting Your Home.” The eight videos in the series suggest simple and inexpensive changes that can be made around the hometo dramatically lessen the chances of a dan- gerousfall and enhancea person's ability to live independently. The videos are also available on DVD in the AFB bookstore. “Though vision problems increase your riskoffalling, there are a numberof things seniors can doto stay safe at home,” said Judy Scott, director of the AFB Center on Vision Loss. “For example, regular exercise helps strength,flexibility and balance, and improving thelighting and reducing glare in your home makes it easier to see your surroundings.” Tips on preventingfalls in and around the home include: safe. You can learn more, view videos and access tips at www.afb.org/seniorsite/falls.
