14 October 2020
Written by Hannah Ownsworth
It’s balance and falls month at Complete Care Shop, and this week it’s time to talk about keeping your balance and avoiding falls when you’re out and about.
When your balance isn’t what it used to be and you find yourself worrying about falling, it can be tempting to keep yourself tucked away at home where you feel safe. But there are things you can do that can help reduce your risk of falling while you’re out and about.
As autumn makes itself known, there are many hazards cropping up. The usual wet weather, combined with leaves falling with trees, make for some potentially slippery journeys. It’s key to have shoes that have a good grip on the sole to help prevent falls. Look for a shoe that has a good tread as this may grip better while you’re walking.
You will be more likely to slip, tip or overbalance if your shoe has a smooth sole or high heel on uneven surfaces.
As well as relying on our balance organ in our inner ear, our brains also rely on information from our eyes to help us balance. Low lighting, fast movement, and clutter (among other things) can all prevent you from getting a clear view of your surroundings.* When it’s dark you may not get the visual signals your brain needs to help it decide which way is up (this is why it can be very hard to balance on one leg with your eyes shut!).
Walking when it’s dark can make it trickier for your brain to know what’s what and so you may find yourself feeling more unsteady than ever. If you do have to go out at night, stick to well-lit routes.
Mobility aids, like walking sticks or rollators are a great way to get extra support while you’re out and about. It can feel like a big step to get a walking aid and it’s definitely one that needs careful consideration to work out which one would be right for you.
If you’re popping to the shop for a few bits, you may not have thought how you might carry everything home again. Carrying a bag in one hand may make you feel a little unstable while you walk due to the extra weight on one side. Consider using a bag that you can carry on your back or a shoulder bag that goes across your body, if what you’re carrying is light. Alternatively if that’s not right for you and you also need support while walking, it may be worth considering a rollator that has a bag attachment, like the Freestyle Three Wheel Rollator.
Always try and allow extra time to get where you need to go. Racing along as fast as you can go may not be as beneficial as you would hope and could cause you to overbalance. Take an even, steady pace and allow plenty of time to get where you need to go.
If you are struggling with your balance and are worried about falling, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor so they can make sure that you’re well and can offer further help if needed.
*https://www.menieres.org.uk/information-and-support/the-balance-system
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