Capital Health Care NetworkSix Fall Prevention Tips from the Mayo Clinic

1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
Begin your fall-prevention plan by making an appointment with your doctor. Be prepared to answer questions about your medications, recent falls, and health conditions.

2. Keep Moving
Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. Consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements.

3. Wear Sensible Shoes
Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall-prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall.

4. Remove Home Hazards
Take a look around your home. To make your home safer remove clutter, secure loose rugs, store necessities within easy reach and use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower.

5. Light Up Your Living Space
Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Use night lights and store flashlights in easy-to-find places.

6. Use Assistive Devices
Your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices might also include hand rails, a raised toilet seat, or grab bars for the shower or tub.