Written by: Aundrea Steenblock, OTD, OTR

Falls and injuries are common after a stroke. According to the CDCInjuries occur in 1 in 5 falls, leading to serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries. Fall prevention is key to preventing future hospitalizations and further complications after a stroke. Stroke survivors and their caregivers can learn techniques to reduce the likelihood of falls.

The first thing to prevent falls is for the stroke survivor to stay in hospital. Here are some practical tips to prevent falls:

Preventing falls in the hospital:

• Always ask for help before you get up! Your doctor will provide help or supervision to keep you safe after a stroke.
• Report symptoms that could cause a fall, including dizziness, dizziness, or changes in vision.
• Use a mobility device recommended by a physical therapist or occupational therapist. This device may be a wheelchair, walker, walker, or cane.
• Always wear non-slip shoes when standing to prevent slipping.

Once a stroke survivor returns home, it is extremely important to reduce the risk of falling. Your occupational therapist or physical therapist can provide personalized tips on modifying your home environment to prevent falls. Here are some other practical tips:

Preventing falls in different areas of the home:

• Entry
  • If there are stairs to your home, your physical therapist may recommend installing handrails to help maintain your balance. If this option is unsafe, your physical therapist may recommend installing a ramp.
  • Inspect the stairs to make sure they are even and free of cracks or holes.
  • Remove any rugs that appear when you try to walk on them.
  • Make sure you have adequate lighting at night.
• Bathroom
  • Use a shower chair, bathtub transfer bench or 3-in-1 shower chair. Your occupational therapist will make personalized recommendations based on your skills and bathroom configuration.
  • Install handrails where appropriate. This will likely be next to the toilet where you enter the shower, and in the shower. Suction cup handrails are NOT safe.
  • Install a handheld showerhead that allows you to sit while you shower.
  • Your toilet may require equipment to be installed for safety. This may include a toilet lift, toilet safety frame or 3-in-1 commode. Your occupational therapist can provide you with personalized recommendations.
  • Install night lights to improve visibility during late-night trips to the bathroom.
  • Always ask for help when you need to go to the bathroom!
• Living room
  • Remove clutter from your home to prevent tripping over items.
  • Raise the rugs so you don’t trip over them when walking on them.
  • Remove any ropes on the sidewalk to prevent falls.
  • You may have trouble standing on a lower surface. You can use a pillow or a higher chair to help you get up. An armrest that can be pushed back when standing is also helpful.
• Kitchen
  • Prepare a sturdy chair with armrests to sit on while eating.
  • Move your most frequently used objects where they are easily accessible.
  • Remove rugs to prevent tripping.
  • Create simple meals with fewer ingredients to save energy.

Most falls are preventable. There are some general steps a stroke survivor can take to prevent falls.

General tips for preventing falls:

• Maintain Active lifestyle. It’s important to be as active as possible to maintain and build strength after a stroke.
• Oscillate that’s the key. Talk to your physical therapist about the specific balance exercises you should be doing.
• Do not be afraid Ask for help. Many stroke survivors are not used to asking for help, but this is a key step in preventing falls.
• Take yours vision verified. Vision often deteriorates after a stroke, so it is important to check for any changes.

Falls after a stroke are common, but they can be prevented if the stroke survivor takes the right steps. Falls can lead to further injury or disability, so it is important to prevent falls where possible. If your loved one struggles with frequent falls, contact your doctor for professional medical help.