Existen muchas maneras de cuidar la salud y la seguridad de un familiar o amigo mayor. Sigue estos consejos para hablar con tu ser querido sobre cómo prevenir caídas.

Empieza por decir que te importa.

Puedes decir:

• “You’re important to me, and I don’t want you to fall and get hurt. I know you want to be independent and stay in your home. Let’s talk about how we can keep you safe.”
• “I’m worried because more than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year, and some of those falls lead to serious injuries.”
• “There are lots of things you can do to prevent a fall. I want to help.”

Hablemos sobre cómo prevenir las caídas.

Puedes decir:

• “Mantenerse activo le ayudará a sentirse mejor y a conservar su independencia.”
• “Physical activity helps improve your balance and makes you stronger. This can help keep you from falling.”
• “Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines with you. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy and increase your risk of falling.”
• “Get your vision checked by an eye doctor every year. You might need new glasses or contacts.”
• “Making your home safer can help protect you. For example, you can put non-slip mats and grab bars in the bathtub or shower.”

Ofrezca su ayuda.

Aquí tienes algunas ideas:

• “Let me help you make a list of all your medicines to take to your doctor’s appointment. That way, you and your doctor can review them together.”
• “Getting your vision checked is important. I can help you get to your eye doctor appointment.”
• “Can I call a contractor for you to come install grab bars in your home?”
• “Having good balance is important for preventing falls. Let’s take a tai chi class together. That way we can both improve our balance.”
• “Can I install a phone next to your bed or close to your favorite chair? That way you can reach it without having to get up.”
• “Let me help you by moving your furniture so that you have a clear walking path.”
• “I see you have some books on your stairs. I’m going to move these to a shelf so you don’t trip over them.”