How to Prevent Falls for Stroke Patients

The prevention of falling accidents is important for everyone. It does not matter how in shape a person is in their younger years, the amount of falls increase as a person ages. Older adults who experience a fall have a greater chance of breaking a bone than a younger person. Their reaction time is slower, so they are unable to stop the fall or catch themselves on the way down. Falls are even more common in people who have had a stroke. Even a minor stroke can affect a person's balance and stability. The good news is that there are ways to prevent falls for stroke patients.

Things You'll Need

• Walker
• Cane
• Shower seat
• Safety or grab bars
• Handrails

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  A cane can keep a stroke patient from falling.

  Have the patient use a walker or a cane to assist them. A cane or a walker can support the stroke patient if they trip or stumble as they walk. Stroke patients fall less if they walk with these aids.

• 2

  Rugs should be removed from walking paths.

  Remove all rugs and other obstacles from walking paths. Rugs can be very dangerous for stroke patients who use a walker or a cane. The walker might not clear the rug entirely, and the rug can bunch up and cause stroke patients to fall. Other objects such as dog toys or cords should be moved out of the way so the patient doesn't stumble and trip over them.

• 3

  Have the stroke patient sit in furniture that is higher off the ground. Furniture low to the ground can be hard to get out of. A good piece of furniture for a stroke patient would be a higher chair with arms. The arms can assist the person as they stand.

• 4

  Install safety or grab bars in the bathroom. The bathroom is a hazardous room for anyone, especially stroke patients. Install a grab bar in the shower or bath tub to assist the patient as they get in and out. Put a shower bench in the shower or tub so the patient can sit down as they clean themselves.

• 5

  Place a handrail device beside the toilet and beside the bed. The patient will have more stability with the hand rails as they sit down and stand up.

• 6

  Set up a physical-therapy program for the stroke patient. It's important to strengthen the muscles after a stroke, so the patient can regain some control and become stronger. Exercising will help improve their balance, and make it easier to avoid falls.