Golden Valley Business Aims to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls

Cooler temperatures are on the horizon, and experts say the cold weather means an uptick in falls for the senior population with snow, ice and debris on the ground.

“As we age, we lose coordination, flexibility and strength that can cause us to fall,” said Jesse Neumann, president of Corner Home Medical. “And also vision loss, or even medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness can also exacerbate that issue of falling.”

Experts say falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, but many are preventable.

Corner Home Medical in Golden Valley sells a variety of products to help seniors reduce their risk of falls, both inside and outside of the home. Employees say most of all falls inside the home happen in the bathroom.

“Because it’s a bathroom there’s going to be a lot of water, a lot of slippery surfaces,” Neumann said. “So a good place to start is with a slip-resistant bath mat. Also other areas are having grab bars that you’re able to hold onto.”

Most of the fall prevention tools are under $50. Experts recommend talking to a professional to ensure you get the right device to address your mobility needs.

Golden Valley