At the Cancer Center, we want all of our patients and visitors to be safe and want to prevent you from falling.
What increases your risk of falling?
- Balance issues
- Weakness, being tired or sick, having had a recent surgery
- Having fallen before
- Medications – which can cause weakness, sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, etc.
- Vision problems
- Environmental issues: rain, ice, snow, grass, uneven pavement, darkness, etc.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of falling:
- Pull up to the front door of the hospital and ask for staff assistance or a wheelchair to get to the Cancer Center.
- Use caution if you decide to walk in from the parking lot → be aware of uneven sidewalks, or cracks in the sidewalks, rocks, holes, uneven pavement and watch out for moving cars.
- Be extra careful during bad weather; the rain, snow, and ice can make surfaces very slippery.
- If you have difficulty seeing, be sure to wear the correct eyewear and walk in well lit areas.
- If you feel unsteady while walking, use assistive devices, i.e. a cane, walker or wheelchair.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications if they make you feel sleepy, dizzy or confused and ask how to reduce those side effects.
- Wear well-fitting/supportive shoes with soles/bottoms that do not slide or skid.
For more tips on Falls Prevention visit the following website: www.stopfalls.org