Avoiding Falls While You're Away

By Rebecca McCallion

The odds of a fall increase as we age, so it’s vital to continually look for risks and modify our environment as our needs change. Our homes are a familiar space that is easy to modify to suit our lifestyles and abilities and prevent falls.

Travelling increases the risk of a fall because we have less control over an unfamiliar environment.

Travellers also have luggage to manage, unfamiliar weather and streets to navigate and may be more fatigued than usual.

Here are some ways you can avoid falls while you’re away.

Stay hydrated

Being out of our regular routine and constantly on the go makes it harder to keep up fluids. Dehydration increases the risk of falls, so it’s important to make time for regular water breaks. Try carrying a water bottle with you and ordering a glass of water with every meal.

Avoid travelling in unfamiliar places during times of low light

Not all holiday destinations are created equal. Some may have cobblestone streets, uneven ground or awkward steps and are usually unfamiliar. It’s best to navigate this new territory in the full light of day. If you decide to venture out at night, taking your time and booking a taxi to drive you even short distances will help you avoid a fall.

Don’t over pack your itinerary

It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into your itinerary to make the most of your trip. This usually means rushing around to fit everything in and can dramatically increase the risk of a fall. It can also leave you feeling exhausted and unable to properly enjoy each activity. Try planning one main activity each day and relying on spontaneity to fill the rest of you itinerary.

Plan times to rest

Even doing one main activity a day can be tiring, and fatigue makes a fall more likely. Be sure to plan time to rest and re-energise, whether it’s sitting at a café or resting in your hotel room. It’s also important to get enough sleep each night so you can start the day feeling fresh.

Familiarise yourself with your hotel room

You can minimise the risk of a hotel fall if you check for hazards upon arrival:

• Move light items out of the way

• Ask a hotel clerk to move heavier furniture if necessary

• Spend time familiarising yourself with the layout of your room

• Place your things in convenient locations

• Make a point of remembering where your things are

• Keep a light on at night for trips to the bathroom

Before getting into bed, be sure to place anything you need within easy reach to reduce the risk of a fall at night. This might include medication, glasses, a lamp, a book, your phone or a glass of water.

Avoid slips in the bathroom

Wet bathrooms are a hazard no matter where you are, but a few easy modifications can help reduce the risk of a fall:

• Always keep a bathroom mat on the floor.

• Ask for a non-slip shower mat if there isn’t one.

• Bring your phone with you into the bathroom in case you do fall and need to call someone.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes, like thongs, to reduce the chance of slipping.

• Request a room with grab bars if available.

Invest in a medical alert device Technology has come a long way, especially with ‘go anywhere’ mobile medical alert devices.

With built in SIM cards and 2-way talk they are like a mini mobile phone but much easier to use with only one button to push if you are in trouble or need help.

The better versions even have automatic fall detection and GPS location so help can always find you!

Be sure to get 24/7 professional medical alert monitoring so no emergency calls are ever missed.

Stay safe while you travel

All travellers have an increased risk of falls and accidents when visiting unfamiliar places. If you are mindful about potential risks and hazards while travelling, you can drastically reduce your risk of falling.

By staying hydrated, eating well and pacing yourself, your trip is sure to be everything you dreamed it would be.